Introduction
Resesarch on the application of mindfulness training for building resilience and for dealing with child and adolescent mental health, behavioural, and learning problems is only in its infancy. It still needs to be ascertained as to whether mindfulness-based practices are effective at dealing with certain problems that present in childhood and adolescence. Moreover, the efficacy of mindfulness-based treatments relative to existing therapies and treatments has yet to be determined. Notwithstanding, some prelimnary research has been conducted with positive findings, and a number of research programs are under way. The following section outlines the general findings of this preliminary research. The information on this page is in large part based on an article produced by Christine Burke (2009) which reviews the latest mindfulness training research findings (see reference below).
Summary of Research
It has been proposed that mindfulness training with children and adolescents may be useful for improving attentional and behavioural self-management, emotion regulation and prosocial behaviour (Semple et al., 2005). Preliminary research suggests mindfulness training in modified forms can be acceptable and feasibly delivered to younger people that experience certain types of mental health problems. Studies (see reference list) have yielded positive effects for adolescents experiencing a variety of emotional and behavioural problems. Mindfulness training in age appropriate form has also been delivered to younger children (5 to 12 years) in both clinical and non-clinical populations. Areas investigated and being investigated include: sleep and worry problems; ADHD; externalising disorders (e.g., conduct problems); adolescent depression; and learning difficulties. However, the existing research base is very small and methodologically limited. Hence firm conclusions cannot be drawn about mindfulness training as an efficacious treatment for child and adolescent mental health problems. Further controlled studies are required. Large scale studies for specific problem areas using standardised procedures across a range of age groups will be necessary to determine how mindfulness training compares to existing efficacious psychological and medical treatments.
Practical issues also need to be addressed for younger populations. For example, mindfulness training needs to be delivered in an age appropriate form and take account of age-related developmental needs. Children and adolescents exist in a particular family, social, and peer context. To be effective, therapists will need to be highly trained and programs may need to be tailored to include caregivers and teachers so they can support the treatment and home practice. As such, much more work is required to investigate how mindfulness training can be developed to assist children and adolescents with mental health problems. At the moment mindfulness training for younger people appears to be only available in specialised reasearch settings. It maybe some time before mindfulness training becomes sufficiently tested and developed so it can be accessible to the broader child and adolescent community.
References
Recommended:
- Biegel, G. M. (2010). The stress reduction workbook for teens: Mindfulness skills to help you deal with stress. New Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
- Burke C. A., (2009). Mindfulness-based approaches with children and adolescents: A preliminary review of current research in an emergent field. Journal of Family Studies.
- Greco, L., & Hayes, S. C. (2008). Acceptance and mindfulness treatments for children and adolescents: A practitioners guide. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
- Semple, R. J. (2006). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for children. In R. A. Baer (Ed), Mindfulness-based treatment approaches: Clinicians guide to evidence base and applications. Academic Press, Amsterdam.
Research:
- Allen, N. B. (2006). Progress report on the beyondblue Victorian centre of excellence in depression and related disorders. Parkville: ORYGEN, with the University of Melbourne.
- Beauchemin, J., Hutchins, T. L., & Patterson, F. (2008). Mindfulness meditation may lessen anxiety, promote social skills, and improve academic performance among adolescents with learning difficulties. Comlementary Health Practice Review, 13, 34-45.
- Biegel, G. M. et al. (2009). Mindfulness-based stress reduction for the treatment of adolescent psychiatric outpatients: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Clinical and Consulting Psychology.
- Boegels, S. et al. (2008). Mindfulness training for adolescents with externalising disorders and their parents. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 36, 193-209.
- Bootzin, R. R. & Stevens, S. J. (2005). Adolescents, substance abuse, and the treatment of insomnia and daytime sleepiness. Clinical Psychology Review, 25, 629-644.
- Napoli, M., Krech, P., & Holley, L. (2005). Mindfulness training for elementary school students: The attention academy. Journal of Applied School Psychology, 21, 99-125.
- Semple , R., Reid, E.., & Miller, M. (2005). Treating anxiety with mindfulness: An open trial of mindfulness training for anxious children. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy: An International Quarterly, 19 (4), 379-392.
- Zylowska, L. et al. (2007). Mindfulness meditation training with adults and adolescents with ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 11, 737-746.
Links to interesting sites:
- Jini Lavelle and Carol Cattley are piloting a new mindfulness program in schools. More information at the Oxford Mindfulness Centre.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy for young people, see Alec Miller’s book: Dialectical Behavior Therapy with Suicidal Adolescents.
- Amy Salzman is a leader in the area. See her CD: Still Quiet Place.
- Randye Semple at Columbia is in the process of developing a manual for MBCT-C (children).
- Time Magazine: ADHD kids can get better.
- The Mindful Awareness Research Centre (MARC) at UCLA, who run Mindful Awareness Programs for adults, children & adolescents: http://www.marc.ucla.edu
- Bruno Cayoun’s is a researcher in Tasmania investigating the benefits of mindfulenss training for children. Website: http://mindfulness.net.au/research.html
- The Inner Kids Foundation at: http://www.innerkids.org/.
