Participants:

The study involved a convenience sample of 18 British politicians (mean age = 64, range = 44–83, 10 females, 8 males) and 4 mindfulness facilitators (mean age = 55, range = 52–59, 2 females, 2 males). Politicians were from diverse parties and chambers (House of Lords and House of Commons). Participants were recruited through the Mindfulness Initiative, an organization focused on mindful politicians.

Procedure:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom, with participants providing verbal consent. Interviews, lasting 15 to 60 minutes, delved into mindfulness training experiences in politics. 

A predefined open-ended guide inspired the interviews, maintaining confidentiality. Transcripts of interviews were analyzed, maintaining rigor.

Mindfulness Program:

The UK Parliament's mindfulness program comprised biannual introductory courses (based on "Finding Peace in a Frantic World"). These courses consisted of eight weekly 75-minute sessions and additional guided practice groups. Cohorts varied in size. By 2020, 350 politicians and 800 staff members participated. Adaptations were made during the COVID-19 pandemic, including shorter 6-week courses and increased online drop-in groups with tailored content.

The study revealed significant findings regarding the experience of mindfulness training in the context of politics:

Addressing Political Challenges: The mindfulness training assisted British politicians in effectively managing the unique demands and stressors inherent in political work. Participants reported that mindfulness practices enabled them to navigate the pressures of their roles more adeptly, fostering a sense of self-grounding amidst the volatile political landscape.

Reconnecting and Grounding: Mindfulness training facilitated a deeper connection with oneself, aiding politicians in maintaining a sense of personal authenticity within their roles. This self-awareness contributed to increased emotional resilience and a more composed approach to political challenges.

Enhanced Relationships: Notably, when mindfulness training was conducted in group settings, participants experienced improved interpersonal dynamics. This group context fostered greater empathy and understanding among politicians, transcending political affiliations and facilitating more constructive and humane interactions. 

Political polarization specifically refers to the increasing divide between different political groups or parties, 

where individuals hold strongly contrasting opinions on various issues, leading to a lack of consensus and cooperation.

This can result in adversarial relationships, hostility, and an inability to find common ground or compromise. The study explores how mindfulness training might have the potential to reduce this polarization by fostering greater understanding, empathy, and constructive communication among politicians, even when they come from different political backgrounds.

Comparable with Workplace and Leadership Studies: The study's results align with existing research on mindfulness in workplaces and leadership contexts. Mindfulness training was observed to lead to stress reduction, improved self-regulation, and enhanced perspective-taking—traits vital for effective leadership, particularly among elected officials.

Group Context and Political Culture: A distinctive finding was the positive impact of group-based mindfulness training on cultivating connectedness and breaking down tribal barriers among politicians, transcending political identities. The study suggested that adapting mindfulness training for group settings could promote more collaborative and consensual political cultures, even within adversarial systems.

The study emphasis on the power of mindfulness training in group settings. The research indicates that such settings fostered a sense of connectedness among politicians, transcending party lines and affiliations. This discovery holds great significance, as it implies that mindfulness training could potentially facilitate more constructive and empathetic interactions even within a political culture known for its adversarial nature.

Moreover, the study's implications for reducing affective polarization are noteworthy. In an era marked by heightened political divides, the notion that mindfulness practices could serve as a bridge to more harmonious political interactions is both relevant and encouraging. 

The potential to cultivate greater understanding and consideration for opposing viewpoints is undoubtedly an avenue worthy of exploration.

Ultimately, "Mindfulness in Politics" enriches our understanding of the potential of mindfulness training in the political domain. As the findings highlight the possibilities of enhanced interactions, reduced polarization, and improved emotional resilience, they advocate for the integration of mindfulness practices within political training and development. The study underscores the profound impact such interventions can have on the effectiveness and harmony of political processes, inviting further exploration and action in this promising direction.