A critical review of adolescent mindfulness-based programmes

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Adolescent Development
• Mindfulness Interventions

Background:

• Mindfulness-based programs are well-established for improving adult psychological functioning.
• Research on mindfulness for adolescents is less developed compared to adults.
• Early implementation of mindfulness may be critical during adolescent development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the characteristics, objectives, and outcomes of mindfulness interventions for adolescents.
• To focus on program adjustments and content adaptations for the adolescent target group.

Main Methods:

• A literature critique of published mindfulness-based interventions for adolescents.
• Included both clinical and universal programs.
• Excluded conference papers and unpublished dissertations.

Main Results:

• The majority of reviewed studies were longitudinal and feasibility studies.
• Only one clinical randomized controlled trial was identified.
• Preliminary evidence for mindfulness in adolescents is nascent.

Conclusions:

• Many studies lack appropriate mindfulness process measures and specific program details.
• Difficulties in comparing studies due to lack of detail on modifications.
• Emerging age-appropriate measures suggest potential for more rigorous adolescent mindfulness research.