A Mindfulness Program Adapted for Adolescents With Chronic Pain: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Initial Outcomes
Danielle A Ruskin1, Michelle M Gagnon, Sara A Kohut
1*The Hospital for Sick Children †Graduate Program in Psychology, York University ‡Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
The Clinical Journal of Pain
|March 23, 2017
Summary
Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) show promise for adolescents with chronic pain. An adapted 8-week group program (MBI-A) was feasible and well-received, improving pain acceptance and coping skills.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric chronic pain research
- Mindfulness-based interventions
- Adolescent health
Background:
- Pediatric chronic pain significantly impacts daily functioning.
- Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are effective for adult chronic pain.
- Effectiveness of MBIs for pediatric chronic pain is largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the feasibility of an 8-week group MBI adapted for adolescents (MBI-A) with chronic pain.
- To assess the acceptability of the MBI-A in a pediatric chronic pain population.
- To evaluate the initial effectiveness of the MBI-A on pain acceptance and coping.
Main Methods:
- Prospective pre-post interventional study design.
- Administered self-report measures at baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up.
- Collected session data on coping, body awareness, and social connection.
Main Results:
- 21 adolescents participated in the MBI-A group with a 90.5% completion rate.
- Participants reported high satisfaction and willingness to recommend the MBI-A.
- Significant improvements in pain acceptance (willingness, activity engagement) and coping skills were observed.
Conclusions:
- The MBI-A is a feasible and well-received intervention for adolescents with chronic pain.
- Findings support the need for further investigation into MBI-A efficacy.
- Randomized-controlled trials are recommended to confirm the effectiveness of MBI-A.
