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Mindful Coping Power: Comparative Effects on Children's Reactive Aggression and Self-Regulation
Caroline L Boxmeyer1,2, Shari Miller3, Devon E Romero4
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA.
Brain Sciences
|September 28, 2021
Summary
Mindful Coping Power (MCP) improved children's self-regulation and anger modulation compared to Coping Power (CP). However, MCP did not significantly reduce reactive aggression, warranting further research.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Behavioral Interventions
- Mindfulness Research
Background:
- Coping Power (CP) is an established intervention for disruptive youth.
- Reactive aggression and self-regulation are key targets for intervention.
- Mindfulness integration may enhance existing behavioral programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Mindful Coping Power (MCP) against Coping Power (CP).
- To assess effects on children's reactive aggression and self-regulation.
- To estimate effect sizes in a pilot randomized trial.
Main Methods:
- Pilot randomized design with 102 fifth-grade students.
- Comparison of MCP and CP interventions.
- Assessment of child-reported and parent-reported outcomes.
Main Results:
- MCP significantly improved child-reported dysregulation (emotional, behavioral, cognitive) and anger modulation.
- MCP showed small to moderate effects on inhibitory control, breath awareness, attention, and social skills.
- MCP did not outperform CP on teacher-rated reactive aggression or parent-reported externalizing behaviors.
Conclusions:
- MCP enhances internal, embodied self-regulation and anger modulation in youth.
- MCP's impact on observable behaviors like reactive aggression requires further investigation.
- Large-scale trials are needed to confirm MCP efficacy and long-term behavioral effects.
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