Prevention of internalizing difficulties in the middle years: Protocol for a noninferiority randomized trial of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Children and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Amanda Taylor, Kathleen Wright, Rachel M Roberts, Michael Proeve, Jasmine Turner, Caroline Miller
Early Intervention in Psychiatry July 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13501 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled non-inferiority trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 194 |
| Population | Children aged 9-12 years with signs of internalizing difficulties and their parents from primary schools in areas of socio-economic disadvantage in South Australia |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Children (MBCT-C) Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) |
| Duration | 10 group sessions for children, two parent-only sessions; follow-up at 3, 6, 12, and 15 months post-intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Children Internalizing behaviour School |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key findings | The trial aims to compare the longer-term effectiveness of MBCT-C relative to CBT, including a parent module, for preventing internalizing difficulties in children over 15 months. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based interventions have been tested as preventive programs for childhood internalizing difficulties, but most research has been at a 'universal' level with small to null effects. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Children (MBCT-C) has similar effects to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) when used as a small-group, targeted preventive program. Knowledge gaps include the longer-term effectiveness of MBCT-C relative to CBT and the benefits of adding a parent module. This trial aims to compare MCBT-C to traditional CBT, including a parent module, to 15-months post-intervention and to test the feasibility and acceptability of adding a parent module. Participants will be recruited from primary schools in areas of socio-economic disadvantage in South Australia (n = 194). Children (aged 9-12) years with signs of internalizing difficulties (e.g., shy, withdrawn, worried), and their parents, will be eligible for this two-armed randomized controlled non-inferiority trial (RCT). Children will participate in 10 group sessions of MBCT-C or CBT, facilitated by psychologists, and parents from both conditions will participate in two parent-only group sessions. Child self-report measures include depression and anxiety, as well as attention, mindfulness and self-compassion. Parent measures include symptoms of depression and anxiety, mindfulness, and parent-child relationship strength. The primary outcome will be child anxiety and depression (Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale-25). Measures will be collected pre and post intervention, and at 3, 6, 12 and 15-month follow up. Schools will be recruited from October 2022. Nomination of children will commence from February 2023. Program implementation will begin May 2023. This trial will have implications for the feasibility of involving parents in preventative programs, as well as whether mindfulness-based interventions prevent internalizing difficulties over time.
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 3
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for children (MBCT-C) on internalizing, externalizing, and attention problems in children from single-parent families: A study protocol for a crossover randomized clinical trial. PLoS One August 6, 2026
- The effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on metacognition, depression, and self-concept of children with anxiety disorders Quarterly Journal of Child Mental Health July 1, 2025
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Children (MBCT-C) in Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms and Attention Problems among Children living in Single-Parent Families
Cites 6
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
- Metacognitive awareness and prevention of relapse in depression: Empirical evidence. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2002
- Assessing mindfulness in children and adolescents: Development and validation of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM). Psychological Assessment April 11, 2011
- A Systematic Review of Mindfulness-Based School Interventions with Early Adolescents Mindfulness July 18, 2018
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for youth with anxiety disorders at risk for bipolar disorder: a pilot trial. Early Intervention in Psychiatry October 2016
and 1 more in the library