The Role of Mindfulness in Reducing the Adverse Effects of Childhood Stress and Trauma
Children February 28, 2017 DOI: 10.3390/children4030016 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Adverse childhood experiences Psychological intervention Coping psychology Adverse effect Acute stress disorder Mood Mental health Clinical psychology Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 137 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness interventions may mitigate negative effects of stress and trauma from adverse childhood exposures, improving short- and long-term outcomes and potentially reducing poor health in adulthood. |
Abstract
Research suggests that many children are exposed to adverse experiences in childhood. Such adverse childhood exposures may result in stress and trauma, which are associated with increased morbidity and mortality into adulthood. In general populations and trauma-exposed adults, mindfulness interventions have demonstrated reduced depression and anxiety, reduced trauma-related symptoms, enhanced coping and mood, and improved quality of life. Studies in children and youth also demonstrate that mindfulness interventions improve mental, behavioral, and physical outcomes. Taken together, this research suggests that high-quality, structured mindfulness instruction may mitigate the negative effects of stress and trauma related to adverse childhood exposures, improving short- and long-term outcomes, and potentially reducing poor health outcomes in adulthood. Future work is needed to optimize implementation of youth-based mindfulness programs and to study long-term outcomes into adulthood.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 18
- Self-regulation of the posterior cingulate cortex with real-time fMRI neurofeedback augmented mindfulness training in healthy adolescents: A nonrandomized feasibility study Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience March 15, 2022
- Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Children with Mental Health Problems: a 2-Year Follow-up Randomized Controlled Study Mindfulness October 16, 2021
- Integrating Pediatric Hypnosis with Complementary Modalities: Clinical Perspectives on Personalized Treatment Children August 7, 2018
- Recalibrating stress regulation through mindfulness: a framework for adapting interventions for ACE-affected populations Frontiers in Psychology April 10, 2026
- Unlocking the Tyranny of Modern Thinking: Keys From Anthropology, Psychology, Neuroscience, and Buddhism Anthropology of Consciousness October 28, 2025
and 13 more in the library
Cites 42
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine May 1, 2009
- Mindfulness for Teachers: A Pilot Study to Assess Effects on Stress, Burnout, and Teaching Efficacy Mind, Brain, and Education August 16, 2013
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction for the treatment of adolescent psychiatric outpatients: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2009
and 37 more in the library