A Pilot and Feasibility Study on a Mindfulness-Based Intervention Adapted for LGBTQ+ Adolescents.
Kasey D Klimo, Jessica Walls Wilson, Charlotte Farewell, Rose Grace Grose, Jini E Puma, Danielle Brittain, Lauren B Shomaker, Kelley Quirk
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health October 16, 2024 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21101364 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | LGBTQ+ adolescents |
| Intervention | Learning to Breathe-Queer (L2B-Q) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Lgbtq+ health Acceptability Adolescent health Feasibility Mindfulness-based interventions |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | L2B-Q demonstrated feasibility and acceptability, and from baseline to post-intervention adolescents reported decreased depression and anxiety and improved intuitive eating, physical activity, and LGBTQ+ identity self-awareness with moderate-to-large effects. |
Abstract
(1)
Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other gender and sexual minority-identified (LGBTQ+) adolescents face mental and physical health disparities compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may be a potential method to intervene upon health disparities in this population. This pilot study explores the initial acceptability and feasibility, along with the descriptive health changes of an online MBI, Learning to Breathe-Queer (L2B-Q), which was adapted to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ adolescents. (2)
Methods: Twenty adolescents completed baseline and post-intervention assessments of mental health, stress-related health behaviors, physical stress, and LGBTQ+ identity indicators. In addition, the adolescents participated in a post-intervention focus group providing qualitative feedback regarding the acceptability of L2B-Q. (3)
Results: L2B-Q demonstrated feasible recruitment and assessment retention, acceptability of content with areas for improvement in delivery processes, and safety/tolerability. From baseline to post-intervention, adolescents reported decreased depression and anxiety and improved intuitive eating, physical activity, and LGBTQ+ identity self-awareness with moderate-to-large effects. (4)
Conclusions: These findings underscore the need and the benefits of adapted interventions among LGBTQ+ youth. L2B-Q warrants continued optimization and testing within the LGBTQ+ adolescent community.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Relation to Quality of Life, Mood, Symptoms of Stress, and Immune Parameters in Breast and Prostate Cancer Outpatients Early-stage breast and prostate cancer patients | 2003 | Pre-post intervention study | n = 59 |
| Exploring self‐compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) Community sample | 2010 | Pre-post intervention study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Lowers Psychological Distress In Medical Students Second-year medical students | 2003 | Prospective nonrandomized cohort-controlled study | n = 302 |
| Intensive meditation training, immune cell telomerase activity, and psychological mediators. Retreat participants and matched controls | 2011 | Controlled trial with wait-list control group | n = 60 |
| The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting for their Parents Children aged 8-12 with ADHD and their parents | 2011 | Within-group waitlist controlled trial | n = 22 |
Citations in the library
Cites 10
- How Does Mindfulness Training Affect Health? A Mindfulness Stress Buffering Account Current Directions in Psychological Science December 1, 2014
- Assessing adolescent mindfulness: Validation of an Adapted Mindful Attention Awareness Scale in adolescent normative and psychiatric populations. Psychological Assessment 2011
- Mindfulness training and systemic low-grade inflammation in stressed community adults: Evidence from two randomized controlled trials PLoS One July 11, 2019
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Physical and Psychological Wellbeing in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Brain Sciences May 29, 2021
- Review: Meta-analysis on mindfulness-based interventions for adolescents' stress, depression, and anxiety in school settings: a cautionary tale. Child and Adolescent Mental Health June 28, 2022
and 5 more in the library