A feasibility study of mindfulness-based interventions for children.
Wai Man Sin1, Mimi Mun Yee Tse2, Joanne Wai Yee Chung3,4
1School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Pilot and Feasibility Studies
|April 8, 2024
Summary
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are feasible and acceptable for children. This study in Hong Kong found high retention rates and positive feedback, suggesting MBIs can benefit children's psychological well-being.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Mental Health Interventions
- Mindfulness Studies
Background:
- Parental concern exists regarding children's psychological well-being globally.
- Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) show promise for improving child well-being.
- Data on the feasibility and acceptability of MBIs for children is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of implementing MBIs in children.
- To evaluate the acceptability of MBIs among children.
- To determine the suitability of MBIs for Hong Kong children.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-eight primary school children in Hong Kong participated.
- Children received a single 2-hour MBI session.
- Feasibility was measured by retention rates; acceptability by qualitative feedback.
Main Results:
- High retention rates (96%) indicated strong feasibility.
- Children reported enhanced well-being.
- Qualitative feedback showed children enjoyed and benefited from the interventions.
Conclusions:
- MBIs demonstrate high feasibility for use with children.
- Findings support conducting efficacy trials for MBIs in pediatric populations.
- School support and sustained child engagement are key for successful implementation.
