Mindfulness-based stress reduction for urban youth

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychology
• Adolescent Medicine

Background:

• Urban youth, particularly those with HIV, face unique stressors impacting their health and well-being.
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a potential intervention to address these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the acceptability of an MBSR program for HIV-infected and at-risk urban youth.
• To assess the potential effects of MBSR on various domains of well-being in this population.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was used, including quantitative measures (attendance, psychological symptoms, quality of life) and qualitative interviews.
• Four MBSR groups, each with nine weekly sessions, were conducted with 33 urban youth aged 13-21.
• Pre- and post-intervention surveys and content analysis of interviews were employed.

Main Results:

• Seventy-nine percent of participants completed the MBSR program.
• Program completers showed significant reductions in hostility, general discomfort, and emotional discomfort.
• Qualitative data indicated perceived improvements in relationships, school performance, physical health, and stress levels.

Conclusions:

• MBSR may positively impact hostility, interpersonal relationships, school achievement, and physical health in urban youth.
• Further controlled trials are needed to confirm MBSR's efficacy due to the small sample size and lack of a control group.
• Nonspecific group effects cannot be ruled out as a contributing factor to observed changes.