Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Children with Mental Health Problems: a 2-Year Follow-up Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Objectives Moderate mental health problems are highly prevalent and increasing in Swedish schoolchildren, elevating risk for future mental and somatic disability. The aim of this study was to determine whether an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention, Training for Mindfulness and Resilience (TMR), mitigates mental health symptoms and increases resilience during a 2-year follow-up. Methods Schoolchildren (aged 9–14 years) reporting moderate mental health problems were randomized into either TMR intervention group (N = 22) or control group, receiving best current practice (N = 12). We used validated questionnaires to measure anxiety, depression, anger, disruptive behavior, self-concept, resilience, stress, and mindfulness before treatment with either TMR or control, as well as at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years follow-up. Results We found a statistically significant effect of TMR intervention vs control, on resilience, anxiety, anger, and disruptive behavior. Compared to baseline, TMR increased the level of resilience at 6 months (p < .001); anxiety at 1 (p < = .033) and 2 years (p = .04); anger at 6 months (p = .004) and 2 years (p = .039); disruptive behavior at 6 months (p = .006). In the control group, a decrease in resilience between 6 months and 2 years (p = .05) was observed. No other significant effects were found in the control group. Conclusions This study suggested that TMR improved mental health in schoolchildren with effects on anxiety and anger lasting for 2 years, and on resilience and disruptive behavior lasting for 6 months. Trial Registration Number NCT04806542, date of registration 18th of March 2021, retrospectively registered.

Mindfulness practice improves managers’ job demands-resources, psychological detachment, work-nonwork boundary control, and work-life balance – a randomized controlled trial

“…When comparing the overall MBSR-program with a passive control, a recent review and meta-analysis of studies conducted in nonclinical samples (Querstret et al, 2020) showed that MBSR significantly reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, distress, worry, and stress, as well as significantly improved wellbeing. Other MBPs, based upon the foundational approach and structure of MBSR, have since been developed with particular aims across a broad range of settings, including hospitals (Botha et al, 2015), for expectant couples (L€ onnberg et al, 2020), sustainability (Mellner et al, 2021;Wamsler et al, 2021), and schools (Laundy et al, 2021), with adapted curriculum elements and tailored to these specific contexts and populations. In the past decades, studies investigating MBPs have increased steadily (Crane et al, 2017), and meta-analyses have demonstrated the efficacy of these programs for a wide array of outcomes including stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and distress (Creswell, 2017;Khoury et al, 2015, Virgili, 2015.…”

“…, 2021; Wamsler et al. , 2021), and schools (Laundy et al. , 2021), with adapted curriculum elements and tailored to these specific contexts and populations.…”

Understanding Adolescents’ Experiences With Menstrual Pain to Inform the User-Centered Design of a Mindfulness-Based App: Mixed Methods Investigation Study

“…Mindfulness-based interventions are rooted in theories of mindfulness and focus on changing one’s relationship with pain and suffering [ 28 ]. Research suggests that mindfulness-based interventions may be beneficial in adolescent populations for a range of concerns [ 29 - 31 ] and have demonstrated potential in reducing pain and improving pain acceptance and ability to cope in youth with chronic pain [ 32 ]. The aspects of mindfulness in combination with other therapeutic approaches have also been successfully integrated into face-to-face treatments for adults with dysmenorrhea [ 33 ].…”