Mindfulness training for self-regulation and stress with incarcerated youth
Sam Himelstein, Arthur Hastings, Shauna L. Shapiro, Myrtle Heery
Probation Journal June 1, 2012 DOI: 10.1177/0264550512438256 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pre-post intervention study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 32 |
| Population | Incarcerated adolescents |
| Intervention | mindfulness-based intervention |
| Duration | 10-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Training meteorology Stress linguistics Clinical psychology Psychotherapist Applied psychology |
| Citations | 60 |
| Key points | Participation in a 10-week mindfulness-based intervention was associated with decreased perceived stress and increased healthy self-regulation, but no significant change in trait mindfulness. |
Abstract
The current study investigated the feasibility of implementing a 10-week mindfulness-based intervention with a group of incarcerated adolescents. Before and after completion of the 10-week intervention, 32 participants filled out self-report questionnaires on trait mindfulness, self-regulation, and perceived stress. We hypothesized that self-reported mindfulness and self-regulation would significantly increase, and perceived stress would significantly decrease, as a result of participation in the treatment intervention. Paired t-tests revealed a significant decrease ( p < .05) in perceived stress and a significant increase ( p < .001) in healthy self-regulation. No significant differences were found on self-reported mindfulness. Results suggest that mindfulness-based interventions are feasible for incarcerated adolescents. Limitations and future research are discussed.