Investigating the Effects of a Dyad Intervention on Teacher Resilience, Mental Health, and Social Emotions and Behavior
NCT Number: NCT06477250
Acronym: EduSocial1
Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
Phases: NA
Conditions: Burnout
Interventions: BEHAVIORAL: Empathy-based socio-emotional mental training
Sponsor: Max Planck Social Neuroscience Lab
Collaborators: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Sex: ALL
Age: ADULT, OLDER_ADULT
Enrollment: 240
Study Design: Allocation: NON_RANDOMIZED|Intervention Model: PARALLEL|Masking: NONE|Primary Purpose: SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Start Date: 2024-06-20
Completion Date: 2025-12-31

Summary:
The COVID-19 pandemic increased psychological burdens in Germany, especially among teachers who have reported higher levels of emotional exhaustion and burnout compared to the general population. Even before the pandemic, teachers found their work highly stressful. Mindfulness- and compassion-based interventions, as well as socio-emotional learning interventions, show promise in combating burnout among educators. Despite increased research, partner-based Dyads have not been explored in schools. Recent studies suggest these social practice formats are more effective than solo mindfulness techniques in reducing loneliness, and social stress, and enhancing social connections and resilience. Additionally, the impact of these interventions on student, classroom, collegium, and system levels remains under-researched.

This study extends the CovSocial project and the ReSource project, which showed the effectiveness of partner-based dyadic mental training on stress reduction, resilience, and social cohesion. The first goal is to test a 10-week online empathy-compassion (EmCo) Dyad training program, inspired by the Affect Dyad from the ReSource project and the online coaching Dyad from the CovSocial project, incorporating empathic and compassionate listening.

The second goal is to evaluate the Dyad intervention's effects in an educational context, focusing on teachers' mental health, social capacities, social networks, and classroom climate, measured across: 1) mental health and resilience, 2) social emotions, 3) social interaction, 4) communication and listening skills, and 5) classroom climate. The third aim is to develop and validate the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA) and the Egocentric Social Network Analysis Paradigm (e-SNAP), using autonomic measures and voice recordings to assess teachers' emotional states. The final aim is to investigate the cognitive and affective mechanisms driving changes in teachers' mental health, resilience, and social-emotional competencies.

Primary Outcome Measures: Change from baseline Depression Anxiety Stress Scale - 21 (DASS-21) scores at 5 and 10 weeks, A scale measuring depression, anxiety, and stress (Henry \& Crawford, 2005; Nilges \& Essau, 2021). The scale ranges from 0 to 3, where higher scores indicate more depression, anxiety, and stress., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline), after the first 5 weeks of training (Mid-Test), and then after the second 5 weeks of training (Post-Test)|Change from baseline Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educators Survey (MBI-ES) scores at 5 and 10 weeks, A scale measuring burnout (Maslach \& Jackson, 1981; Schwarzer et al., 2000). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate more burnout., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline), after the first 5 weeks of training (Mid-Test), and then after the second 5 weeks of training (Post-Test)|Change from baseline Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) score at 5 and 10 weeks, A scale measuring psychological resilience (Connor \& Davidson, 2003; Sarubin et al., 2015). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate more resilience., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline), after the first 5 weeks of training (Mid-Test), and then after the second 5 weeks of training (Post-Test)|Change from baseline Sussex-Oxford Compassion Scale for Self and Others (SOCS) scores at 10 weeks, A scale measuring self-compassion (SOCS-S) and compassion for others (SOCS-O; Gu et al., 2020). The scale ranges from 1 to5, where higher scores indicate more compassion., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline), at week 5 (after empathic listening training) and then again at week 10 (after compassionate listening training)|Change from baseline Active Listening Attitude Scale (ALAS) scores at 5 and 10 weeks, A scale measuring active listening (Mishima et al., 2000). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where, higher scores indicate more active listening., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline), after the first 5 weeks of training (Mid-Test), and then after the second 5 weeks of training (Post-Test)|Change from baseline Socio-Affective Video Task (SoVT) scores at 5 and 10 weeks, This task assesses behavioral empathy and compassion using emotional video clips (Kanske et al., 2015; Klimecki et al., 2013; Valk et al., 2016). Higher scores indicate more empathy or more compassion., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline), at week 5 (after empathic listening training), and then again at week 10 (after compassionate listening training)|Change from baseline Egocentric Social Network Analysis Paradigm (e-SNAP) scores at 5 and 10 weeks, In this task, teacher-reported perceptions of their classroom and workplace networks are used to assess the frequency and pleasantness of interactions, as well as relationships within the network. Higher scores indicate more (a) Teacher-perceived interaction frequency (with pupils and teachers), (b) Teacher-perceived network density (% of total ties / all possible ties) (of the classroom, and of work colleagues), (c) Teacher-perceived interaction pleasantness ratio (pupil-pupil and teacher-teacher)., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline), after the first 5 weeks of training (Mid-Test), and then after the second 5 weeks of training (Post-Test)|Change from baseline Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) functioning at 10 weeks: Physiological Resting Baseline - electrocardiogram [ECG], Resting assessment of autonomic physiology. Participants sit quietly with eyes closed and no specific task is given. Autonomic activity will be measured with PLUX Biosignals sensors including a 3-point ECG sensor attached to the chest.

Resting autonomic physiology data will be analyzed with PLUX OpenSignals software to assess Heart Rate Variability (HRV)., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention time points, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) functioning at 10 weeks: Physiological Resting Baseline - electrodermal activity [EDA], Resting assessment of autonomic physiology. Participants sit quietly with eyes closed and no specific task is given. Autonomic activity will be measured with PLUX Biosignals sensors including a 2-point EDA sensor attached to the index and middle fingers of the non-dominant hand.

Resting autonomic physiology data will be analyzed with PLUX OpenSignals software to assess Skin Conductance Response (SCR), Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention time points, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) functioning at 10 weeks: Physiological Resting Baseline - inductive respiration, Resting assessment of autonomic physiology. Participants sit quietly with eyes closed and no specific task is given. Autonomic activity will be measured with PLUX Biosignals sensors including an inductive respiration adjustable chest strap. Resting autonomic physiology data will be analyzed with PLUX OpenSignals software to assess Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA) and breathing cycle amplitude and frequency, Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention time points, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) regulation at 10 weeks: Heart Rate Variability, Phasic assessment of autonomic physiology as participants complete a semi-structured lesson plan in classrooms. Participants watch a series of short clips from Inside Out with their students. These clips have emotional (positive and negative) content. After watching the clips participants facilitate a class discussion encouraging students to consider the function of various emotions and self-regulation strategies for managing difficult emotional experiences. Following the discussion, participants are asked to sit quietly while students complete self-report surveys.

Phasic autonomic physiology data will be analyzed with PLUX OpenSignals software to assess HRV and RSA (3-point ECG attached to the chest), Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention time points, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) regulation at 10 weeks: Skin Conductance, Phasic assessment of autonomic physiology as participants complete a semi-structured lesson plan in classrooms. Participants watch a series of short clips from Inside Out with their students. These clips have emotional (positive and negative) content. After watching the clips participants facilitate a class discussion encouraging students to consider the function of various emotions and self-regulation strategies for managing difficult emotional experiences. Following the discussion, participants are asked to sit quietly while students complete self-report surveys.

Phasic autonomic physiology data will be analyzed with PLUX OpenSignals software to assess SCR (2-point EDA attached to the non-dominant hand), Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention time points, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) regulation at 10 weeks: inductive respiration, Phasic assessment of autonomic physiology as participants complete a semi-structured lesson plan in classrooms. Participants watch a series of short clips from Inside Out with their students. These clips have emotional (positive and negative) content. After watching the clips participants facilitate a class discussion encouraging students to consider the function of various emotions and self-regulation strategies for managing difficult emotional experiences. Following the discussion, participants are asked to sit quietly while students complete self-report surveys.

Phasic autonomic physiology data will be analyzed with PLUX OpenSignals software to assess inductive Respiration (adjustable chest strap), Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention time points, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline Vocalized Emotional Expressions at 10 weeks - prosodic features, Acoustic assessment of vocalized emotions as participants complete a semi-structured lesson plan in their classrooms. Participants record their own voices for 15 minutes as they encourage students' engagement during the classroom discussion component of the test lesson. Two sets of simultaneous voice recordings will be collected on participants' phones as well as a research phone. A lapel microphone connected to the research phone will be attached to the participants' collars. Participants' own phones will be placed in a phone case lanyard necklace worn around the neck.

Vocalized emotions will be analyzed with audEERING devAIce software to assess prosodic features (e.g., pitch, voice quality \[jitter and shimmer\]), the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline Vocalized Emotional Expressions at 10 weeks - affect dimensions, Acoustic assessment of vocalized emotions as participants complete a semi-structured lesson plan in their classrooms. Participants record their own voices for 15 minutes as they encourage students' engagement during the classroom discussion component of the test lesson. Two sets of simultaneous voice recordings will be collected on participants' phones as well as a research phone. A lapel microphone connected to the research phone will be attached to the participants' collars. Participants' own phones will be placed in a phone case lanyard necklace worn around the neck.

Vocalized emotions will be analyzed with audEERING devAIce software to assess affect dimensions (e.g., activation \[arousal\], valence, and dominance), the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline Vocalized Communication Behaviors at 10 weeks - sensitivity in communication, Acoustic assessment of vocalized communication behaviors as participants complete a semi-structured lesson plan in their classrooms. Participants record their own voice for 15 minutes as they encourage students' engagement during the classroom discussion component of the test lesson. Two sets of simultaneous voice recordings will be collected on participants' personal phones as well as a research phone. A lapel microphone connected to the research phone will be attached to participants' collar. Participants' own phone will be placed in a phone case lanyard necklace worn around the neck.

Vocalized communication behaviors will be analyzed with audEERING devAIce software to assess tone, rate, and dominance scores indicate sensitivity in communication.

Lower tone, rate and dominance scores represent higher sensitivity in communication., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention timepoints, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline Vocalized Communication Behaviors at 10 weeks - silence, Acoustic assessment of vocalized communication behaviors as participants complete a semi-structured lesson plan in their classrooms. Participants record their own voice for 15 minutes as they encourage students' engagement during the classroom discussion component of the test lesson. Two sets of simultaneous voice recordings will be collected on participants' personal phones as well as a research phone. A lapel microphone connected to the research phone will be attached to participants' collar. Participants' own phone will be placed in a phone case lanyard necklace worn around the neck.

Vocalized communication behaviors will be analyzed with audEERING devAIce software to assess the teacher's silence and background sounds indicate the teacher's listening. Higher rates of teacher's silence represent higher listening., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention timepoints, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline listening at 10 weeks, Self-generated items measure active listening during classroom discussions (Mishima et al., 2000). The scale ranges from 1 to 5. Higher scores indicate more active listening., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention timepoints, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline Academic Productive Dialogue (APD) scores at 10 weeks, A scale measuring the productivity of a classroom dialog (Gutentag et al., 2022). The scale ranges from 1 to 5. Higher scores mean more engagement and productivity in the dialog., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention timepoints, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline Mindfulness in Teaching Scale (MTS) scores at 10 weeks, A scale measuring mindfulness in teaching during the classroom discussion (Frank et al., 2016). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate more mindfulness in teaching., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention timepoints, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline Teacher Self-Efficacy Scale (TSES) scores at 10 weeks, A scale measuring teacher self-efficacy when engaging students (Pfitzner-Eden, 2016; Tschannen-Moran \& Hoy, 2001).The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate more self-efficacy., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention timepoints, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline Affect Grid scores at 10 weeks, A scale measuring emotional state (valence) and arousal (Russell et al., 1989). Higher scores on valence and arousal indicate more positive affect and arousal., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention time points, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline Stress levels at 10 weeks, Custom items based on the Stress Appraisal Measure (SAM; Delahaye et al., 2015; Peacock \& Wong, 1990) and the Cognitive Control and Flexibility Questionnaire (CCFQ; Gabrys et al., 2018) measuring stress intensity and feelings of emotional control. The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate more intense stress or higher emotional control., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention time points, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention time points, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA), Custom items based on the Brief-COPE (Carver, 1997; Knoll et al., 2005), Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ; Garnefski et al., 2001; Loch et al., 2011) and Self-Compassion Scale (SCS; Albertson et al., 2015; Hupfeld \& Ruffieux, 2011) measuring Coping Strategies (Acceptance and Curiosity, Positive Reinterpretation, Rumination, Self-Blame). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate a higher use of the specified coping strategies., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention timepoints, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline emotional expressions at 10 weeks, Custom items based on an Emotional Labor Strategy Questionnaire (ELSQ; Diefendorff et al., 2005) measure Emotional Expressions (surface acting, emotional dissonance, emotional congruence, emotional authenticity). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate more surface acting / emotional dissonance or emotional congruence / emotional authenticity., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention timepoints, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline student-reported Student Personal Perception of Classroom Climate (SPPCC) scores at 10 weeks, A scale measuring classroom climate (Rowe et al., 2010).The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate a better classroom climate. Completed by the pupils., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention time points, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline student-reported Classroom Belonging Scale (CBS) scores at 10 weeks, A scale measuring classroom belonging (Dong Zhao et al., 2019). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate more classroom belonging. Completed by the pupils., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention time points, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline classroom discussion climate at 10 weeks, Custom items measuring students' perception of classroom discussion. The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate a better classroom discussion climate. Completed by the pupils., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention time points, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline observer-rated Affect Grid scores at 10 weeks, A scale measuring emotional state (valence) and arousal (Russell et al., 1989). Higher scores on valence and arousal indicate more positive affect and arousal. Completed by independent observers., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention time points, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline observer-rated teacher listening and communication behaviors at 10 weeks, Custom items based on a Psychological Safety Coding Scheme (O'Donovan et al., 2021) measuring teacher listening and communication behaviors. The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate more listening and communication skills. Completed by independent observers., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention timepoints, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline observer-rated student engagement & communication behaviors at 10 weeks, Custom items based on a Psychological Safety Coding Scheme (O'Donovan et al., 2021) measuring student engagement and communication. The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate more observer-rated student engagement and communication. Completed by independent observers., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention timepoints, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Change from baseline Affect Grid scores at 10 weeks, A scale measuring emotional state (valence) and arousal (Russell et al., 1989). Higher scores on valence and arousal indicate more positive affect and arousal., Assessed at pre-intervention over a two-week period (Baseline), at week 5 (once), and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention timepoint again for two-week|Change from baseline Positive Teaching Practices Scale (PTPS) scores at 10 weeks, A scale measuring positive teaching practices (Baumgartner et al., 2021). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate more positive teaching practices., Assessed at pre-intervention over a two-week period (Baseline), at week 5 (once), and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention timepoint again for two-week|Change from baseline Stress levels at 10 weeks, Custom items based on the Stress Appraisal Measure (SAM; Delahaye et al., 2015; Peacock \& Wong, 1990) and the Cognitive Control and Flexibility Questionnaire (CCFQ; Gabrys et al., 2018) measuring stress intensity and feelings of emotional control. The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate more intense stress., Assessed at pre-intervention over a two-week period (Baseline), at week 5 (once), and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention timepoint again for two-week|Change from baseline coping strategies at 10 weeks, Custom items based on the Brief-COPE (Carver, 1997; Knoll et al., 2005), Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ; Garnefski et al., 2001; Loch et al., 2011) and Self-Compassion Scale (SCS; Albertson et al., 2015; Hupfeld \& Ruffieux, 2011) measuring Coping Strategies (Acceptance and Curiosity, Positive Reinterpretation, Rumination, Self-Blame). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate a higher use of the specified coping strategies., Assessed at pre-intervention over a two-week period (Baseline), at week 5 (once), and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention timepoint again for two-week|Change from baseline Empathy Scale for Teachers (EST) scores at 10 weeks, A scale measuring teacher empathy (Wang et al., 2022). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate more empathy, Assessed at pre-intervention over a two-week period (Baseline), at week 5 (once), and then after 10-week intervention period at post-intervention timepoint again for two-week|Change from baseline Compassionate Love Scale (Close Others Version) scores at 10 weeks, A scale measuring teacher compassion (Sprecher \& Fehr, 2005). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate more compassion., Assessed at pre-intervention over a two-week period (Baseline), at week 5 (once), and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention timepoint again for two-week
Secondary Outcome Measures: Cognitive Control and Flexibility Questionnaire (CCFQ) (explanatory mechanism), A scale measuring cognitive control over emotions (Gabrys et al., 2018). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where lower scores indicate more cognitive control over emotions. 3 items from the Cognitive Control over Emotion subscale., Assessed weekly during the course of 10 weeks|Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) scores - Self-Regulation (explanatory mechanisms), A scale measuring levels of interoceptive awareness (Mehling et al., 2012; Mehling \& Bornemann, 2012). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate more interoceptive awareness. 3 items from the Self-Regulation subscale., Assessed weekly during the course of 10 weeks|Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS) (explanatory mechanism), A scale measuring two subdimensions of mindfulness (Cardaciotto et al., 2008). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate higher awareness or acceptance. 3 items each from the following two subscales: Awareness and Acceptance., Assessed weekly during the course of 10 weeks|Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale Short Form (DERS-SF) (explanatory mechanism), A scale measuring difficulties in using emotion regulation strategies (Gutzweiler \& In-Albon, 2018; Kaufman et al., 2016). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate more difficulties in emotion regulation. 3 items from the Non-acceptance subscale., Assessed weekly during the course of 10 weeks|Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) (explanatory mechanism), A scale measuring different facets of social emotions, including personal distress and empathic concern (Davis, 1980b, 1980a). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate higher personal distress or empathic concern. 3 items each from the following two subscales: Personal Distress and Empathic Concern., Assessed weekly during the course of 10 weeks|Listening, Custom items measuring listening quality. The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate better listening. 5 items., Assessed weekly during the course of 10 weeks|Gratitude Questionnaire-6 (GQ-6) (explanatory mechanism), A scale measuring gratitude (Hudecek et al., 2021; McCullough et al., 2002). The scale ranges from 1 to 7, where higher scores indicate more gratitude. 3 items., Assessed weekly during the course of 10 weeks|Coping strategies (explanatory mechanism), Custom items based on the Brief-COPE (Carver, 1997; Knoll et al., 2005), Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ; Garnefski et al., 2001; Loch et al., 2011) and Self-Compassion Scale (SCS; Albertson et al., 2015; Hupfeld \& Ruffieux, 2011) measuring Coping Strategies (Acceptance and Curiosity, Positive Reinterpretation, Rumination, Self-Blame). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate a higher use of the specified coping strategies. 5 items., Assessed weekly during the course of 10 weeks|Affect Grid (explanatory mechanism), Assessment of emotional state (valence) and arousal (Russell et al., 1989). Higher scores on valence and arousal indicate more positive affect and arousal., Assessed weekly during the course of 10 weeks of intervention only in intervention group|Social connectedness - Inclusion of Other in Self Scale (explanatory mechanism), Assessment of how connected participant felt to the dyad partner (pre- and post-dyad exercise). The scale ranges from 1 to 10, where higher scores indicate more social connectedness (Aron et al., 1992; Kinnunen \& Windmann, 2013)., Assessed for 10 weeks during intervention period, twice a week, only in the intervention group, prior to and after the daily exercise|Personal Self-Disclosure with Partner, Custom item assessing Personal Self-Disclosure with Partner (only post-dyad exercise). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate more self-disclosure., Assessed for 10 weeks during intervention period, twice a week, only in the intervention group, after the daily exercise|Emotional Authenticity, Custom item assessing Emotional Authenticity (only post-dyad exercise) adapted from the Emotional Labor Strategy Questionnaire (ELSQ; Diefendorff et al., 2005). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate higher emotional authenticity., Assessed for 10 weeks during intervention period, twice a week, only in the intervention group, after the daily exercise|Listening (emotional resonance), Assessment of listening (2 custom items; only post-dyad exercise). The scale ranges from -10 (for negative mood) to 10 (for positive mood), where Higher changes in affect in accordance with the dyad practice indicate higher resonance., Assessed for 10 weeks during intervention period, twice a week, only in the intervention group, after the daily exercise|Listening engagement, Assessment of listening engagement (1 custom item; only post-dyad exercise). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate more listening engagement., Assessed for 10 weeks during intervention period, twice a week, only in the intervention group, after the daily exercise|Qualitative Empathic Listening Diary, Two custom qualitative questions asking about how it felt to engage in empathic listening during the dyad., Assessed once during intervention period, at week 5, only in the intervention group, after the daily exercise|Qualitative Compassionate Listening diary, Two custom qualitative questions asking about how it felt to engage in compassionate listening during the dyad., Assessed once at the end of the intervention period, at week 10, only in the intervention group, after the daily exercise
Other Outcome Measures: Health Screener, Custom questions assessing health information and lifestyle habits known to impact physiology (e.g., heart and lung diseases, cardioactive medication usage, recent sleep duration, caffeine intake, and physical activity, regular alcohol and drug usage, and body mass index), Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention time points, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Classroom and Student Demographics, Custom questions asking participants to report on the class size and grade level of the students involved in the semi-structured classroom assessment. Students additionally self-report their current age., Assessed at pre-intervention (Baseline) and then after a 10-week intervention period at post-intervention time points, in the classroom setting as part of the Teacher Autonomic Voice Assessment (TAVA)|Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9; pre-screening), A scale assessing depression (Gräfe et al., 2004; Löwe et al., 2004). The scale ranges from 0 to 3 where higher scores indicate more depression., Assessed before the intervention, only once, to pre-screen out from the study individuals who have clinical levels of depressive symptoms|Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7; pre-screening), A scale assessing generalized anxiety (Löwe et al., 2007; Spitzer et al., 2006). The scale ranges from 0 to 3 where higher scores indicate more anxiety., Assessed prior to the intervention, only once, to pre-screen out from the study individuals who have clinical levels of anxious symptoms|Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20; pre-screening), A scale assessing alexithymia (Bagby et al., 1994; Brähler et al., 2000). The scale ranges from 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate more alexithymia., Assessed before the intervention, only once, to pre-screen out from the study individuals who have high levels of alexithymia|Standardized Assessment of Personality - Abbreviated Scale (SAPAS; pre-screening), A self-report scale used to screen personality disorders (Moran et al., 2003; Söchtig et al., 2012). Participants respond to each item with either 'yes' or 'no'. Higher scores indicate a greater likelihood of personality disorder traits, with 'yes' responses indicating stronger alignment with these traits., Assessed before the intervention, only once, to evaluate presence of personality disorders|General demographic questions, 33 self-generated demographic items., Assessed before the intervention, only once, to collect demographic information