The Efficacy of Targeted Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Improving Mental Health and Cognition Among Youth and Adults with ACE Histories: A Systematic Mixed Studies Review

Abstract

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are associated with increased psychological wellbeing. The literature suggests that individuals exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may benefit greatly from MBIs. However, research has tended to focus on universal MBIs for this population with less attention on the effectiveness of targeted approaches. Moreover, there is growing concern regarding the methodological rigor of MBI research. This systematic mixed studies review (SMRS) reports the effectiveness of MBIs for improving mental health and cognition among individuals with ACE histories. Additionally, the review reports the quality and rigor of the included research. Systematic searches of PsycInfo, EMBASE, MEDLINE, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, ProQuest Social Science database and the Child Development and Adolescent Studies database were conducted. Results were screened and data were extracted then synthesized using a data-based convergent synthesis design. Thirteen studies were included in the final review. Six prominent themes emerged. Themes indicated that MBIs were effective for improving mental health and cognition for individuals with ACEs. For example, improvements in mood and anxieties, as well as a better ability to manage emotions. Shortcomings in the quality of MBI research included lack of reporting of methodological details (e.g., randomization procedures) and not systematically reporting adverse event evaluations. Recommendations are made for future research to strengthen the evidence base for MBIs for individuals with ACEs.

Protective factors for adverse childhood experiences: Scoping review and evidence gap map.

“…These findings are interesting given that the original ACES study focused on physical health outcomes (Felitti et al, 1998) and much of the current research suggests a robust impact of ACES on physical health outcomes and risky health behaviors (Bellis et al, 2019; Hughes et al, 2017; Petruccelli et al, 2019). However, it is consistent with the lack of clinical trials focused on physical health outcomes and risky health behaviors (Korotana et al, 2016; Moyes et al, 2022). Of note, the ACES’ pyramid, which provides a visual depiction of how ACES are proposed to influence health across the life span, indicates that cognitive and mental health complications precede the uptake of risky health behaviors and poor physical health outcomes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021; Felitti et al, 1998).…”

“…A review of primary care interventions among adults with ACE histories found that cognitive behavioral therapy was effective in improving health risk behaviors and mental health symptoms by focusing on emotion regulation and coping (Korotana et al, 2016). Furthermore, a more recent review of mindfulness-based interventions among adults and youth with ACE histories also found improvement in mental health symptoms and resilience (Moyes et al, 2022). Both reviews noted that few trials focus on biological health outcomes (e.g., inflammatory markers, immune function, and cortisol) or physical health symptoms or diagnoses.…”

Barriers and facilitators to using procedural pain treatments in pediatric patients: protocol for a systematic review and meta-synthesis

“…This review is a comprehensive exploration of the barriers and facilitators, in which qualitative content is dominant, so we chose meta-synthesis instead of meta-analysis (56). We will apply convergent qualitative syntheses to deal with quantitative data or quantitative content in mixed studies (55,57,58). We can use the convergence method to combine the qualitative research with the data in the qualitative research (59).…”

Exploring the Benefits of an Arts-Based Mindfulness Group Intervention for Youth Experiencing Challenges in Schooling

“…There is emphasis on improving attention and empathy, as well as building emotion regulation and self-awareness (D'Alessandro et al, 2022). MBIs with young people show a wide range of promising benefits ranging from emotion regulation (Schussler et al, 2021; Zhang et al, 2022), enhancing executive functioning (Lu et al, 2021), lowering feelings of anxiety (Borquist-Conlon et al, 2019; Moyes et al, 2022), and improving social competence, emotional resilience (Culang et al, 2021), mood, and relationships (Dai et al, 2022; Van Vliet et al, 2017).…”