Emotional and Behavioral Effects of an Online Self-Reflective Meditation Program in Youth With ADHD: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Seung Ah Lee, MiRa Yun, Hani Lee, In-Soo Lee, In Sook Jang, Soon-Beom Hong
Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry June 19, 2026 DOI: 10.1177/13591045261462248 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 40 |
| Population | Youth with ADHD |
| Duration | 12-week intervention, 12-week follow-up |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Adolescent Emotion regulation |
| Key findings | The online True Self Meditation program did not improve externalizing or internalizing behavioral problems but significantly reduced trait anxiety in youth with ADHD. |
Abstract
BackgroundChildren and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often experience comorbid emotional and behavioral difficulties, yet evidence for meditation-based interventions remains limited. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of an online self-reflective meditation program (True Self Meditation; TSM) on emotional, behavioral, and attentional outcomes in youth with ADHD.MethodsForty youth with ADHD were randomly assigned to a 12-week online TSM program or a wait-list control group. Assessments were conducted at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 12-week follow-up using standardized questionnaires (the Child Behavior Checklist, Youth Self-Report, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, and etc.) and neurocognitive tests including the Continuous Performance Test (CPT).ResultsBetween-group analyses revealed no significant improvements on externalizing or internalizing problems. However, the TSM group showed a significant and sustained reduction in trait anxiety. Within-group pooled analyses indicated additional improvements in self-reported internalizing problems (delayed effect) and commission errors on the CPT, accompanied by increased response times, suggesting more deliberate responding.ConclusionsTSM exhibited selective effects on internal emotional processes, particularly trait anxiety, rather than on externally observable behavioral symptoms. These findings suggest that TSM may serve as a complementary intervention for anxiety-related difficulties in youth with ADHD, warranting further investigation in larger controlled trials.
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 8
- Effects of an On‐Campus Meditation Course on Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Sleep Quality among South Korean Paramedic Students Perspectives In Psychiatric Care 2023
- Assessing the impact of mindfulness programs on attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic review. BMC Pediatrics January 14, 2025
- Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Children and Adolescents with ADHD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health November 1, 2022
- The effectiveness of a single session of mindfulness-based cognitive training on cardiac vagal control and core symptoms in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a preliminary randomized controlled trial. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry May 24, 2022
- The efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder beyond core symptoms: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Journal of Affective Disorders September 1, 2021
and 3 more in the library