Temporal dynamics and long-term effects of a mindfulness-based intervention for young adults with adverse childhood experiences.
Diane Joss, Martin H. Teicher, Sara W. Lazar
Mindfulness September 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-024-02439-x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Longitudinal Preregistered Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 40 |
| Population | Young adults aged 21-35 with adverse childhood experiences |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based intervention Stress Management Education |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, 6-, 12-, and 18-months follow-up |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Causal inference Long term Somatization Stress Time series |
| Citations | 11 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based intervention led to increases in trait mindfulness that predicted reductions in perceived stress, somatization, and hostility, with most symptom reductions lasting 12 months. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been shown to be beneficial for young adults with adverse childhood experiences (ACE), but the temporal course of the therapeutic effects is still not well understood. This study aimed to investigate MBI-induced weekly changes and long-term effects in trait mindfulness and psychological symptoms. This study analyzed longitudinal data from a mechanistic clinical trial in which young adults (aged 21-35) with ACE were randomized to an 8-week MBI or an active control condition of Stress Management Education (SME), with 21 and 19 completers respectively. Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Kellner's Symptom Questionnaire (KSQ) were administered before, after, and weekly during the 8-week interventions, and at 6-, 12-, and 18-months follow-up. Data analyses were conducted with linear mixed effects models, Granger causality and Dynamic Structural Equation Modeling (DSEM). Group by time interaction effects were observed with PSS, MAAS, KSQ-depression, KSQ-hostility, and KSQ-anxiety with small effect sizes. Only in the MBI group, increases of MAAS scores predicted reductions of PSS, KSQ-somatization, and KSQ-hostility scores. MAAS score reached significant increase at the end of MBI, and most MBI-induced symptom reduction lasted 12 months without refresher courses. MBI demonstrated unique effects of trait mindfulness improvement leading to psychological symptom reductions. At least 8 weeks of MBI program duration and refreshment at 12 months may be necessary for ACE survivors. This study is not preregistered.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 8
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Psychological Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry July 30, 2025
- Modulating mechanisms of adverse childhood experiences in a mindfulness-based intervention: preliminary insights from an opioid use disorder study. Frontiers in Psychology 2025
- Recalibrating stress regulation through mindfulness: a framework for adapting interventions for ACE-affected populations Frontiers in Psychology April 10, 2026
- Neural correlates of meditation-induced changes in self-related traits: a resting state fMRI study. Mindfulness June 4, 2026
- Feasibility of conducting a pilot randomized trial of a mindfulness-based intervention among sheltered young adults experiencing homelessness. Frontiers in Psychology November 11, 2025
and 3 more in the library
Cites 39
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
- The Empirical Status of Mindfulness-Based Interventions: A Systematic Review of 44 Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials Perspectives on Psychological Science February 16, 2021
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for preventing relapse in recurrent depression: A randomized dismantling trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology December 3, 2013
and 34 more in the library