The effect of a one-time mindfulness intervention on body and mind in healthy adolescents using multimodal measurements.
Angelika Ecker, Charlotte Fritsch, Daniel Schleicher, Ricarda Jacob, Stephanie Kandsperger, Romuald Brunner, Irina Jarvers
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1503379 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 78 |
| Population | Healthy adolescents aged 12-19 |
| Intervention | Mindfulness intervention |
| Duration | Single intervention session |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Adolescents Body scan Heart rate variability Mental burden State mindfulness |
| Key findings | A single mindfulness intervention had no immediate observable effects on subjective or physiological parameters in healthy adolescents. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based interventions can improve psychological well-being and reduce symptoms of mental burden, including among adolescents. Relationships between basic mindfulness (trait mindfulness) and the immediate effects of a single mindfulness intervention have not been thoroughly researched, especially in adolescents. In this study, we aimed to elucidate these aspects by using a multimodal approach-measuring the effect of a single mindfulness intervention on both subjective and physiological parameters. A total of 78 healthy adolescents (12-19 years of age, 50% female) were assigned to either a mindfulness or an active control group. Before and after the interventions, subjective parameters (mood, stress, and state mindfulness) were assessed using bipolar visual analogue scales. Physiological parameters (heart rate and heart rate variability) were measured before and during the interventions. Participants also completed the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-D) with the subscale "mindfulness" as an assessment of trait mindfulness, and the State-Trait Anxiety-Depression Inventory (STADI). Our results showed no significant interactions between time and intervention, either subjectively or physiologically. For heart rate, we found a main effect of time. For all subjective parameters, we observed a main effect of trait mindfulness. Age was a relevant factor for heart rate and state mindfulness, suggesting age effects. We also observed strong correlations between trait mindfulness, trait anxiety, and depression scores. A single mindfulness intervention had no immediate observable effects in our healthy adolescent sample, and possible reasons for this finding are discussed. Nevertheless, the present data show the potential for increased resilience through mindfulness in adolescence.
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
Cites 11
- 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
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Short-term autonomic and cardiovascular effects of mindfulness body scan meditation Annals of Behavioral Medicine November 15, 2006
- Brief mindfulness training for negative affectivity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology June 25, 2018
and 6 more in the library