Understanding how adolescents engage in mindfulness-based intervention: a mixed methods study of engagement processes
Megan J Moran1, Talia Thompson2, Michelle Harmon3
1Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, United States.
Current Psychology (New Brunswick, N.J.)
|June 1, 2026
Summary
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) show promise for adolescent mental health. This study found high engagement, particularly cognitive-behavioral, suggesting ways to enhance MBI effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent mental health research
- Mindfulness-based interventions
- Engagement in therapeutic contexts
Background:
- Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) are used for adolescent mental health but have inconsistent outcomes.
- Adolescent engagement is a potential factor influencing MBI efficacy, yet its role is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine adolescent engagement in MBI.
- To identify reasons for adolescent engagement or disengagement in MBI.
- To explore adolescents' perspectives on engagement within MBI.
Main Methods:
- Mixed methods study involving 73 adolescents receiving community-delivered MBI.
- Quantitative assessment of self-reported engagement and differences between engagement dimensions.
- Qualitative interviews with 25 adolescents, analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- Adolescent engagement scores in MBI were generally high.
- Cognitive-behavioral engagement was significantly higher than affective engagement.
- Four qualitative themes emerged regarding adolescent perspectives on engagement, varying by engagement level.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent engagement in MBI aligns with, yet also differs from, prior conceptualizations.
- Opportunities exist to support adolescent engagement before, during, and outside MBI sessions.
- Enhancing engagement may improve the efficacy of MBI for adolescent mental health.
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