Mindfulness based intervention with an attentional comparison group in at risk young adolescents: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
Kristen E Rawlett, Erika Friedmann, Sue A Thomas
Integrative Medicine Research April 12, 2019 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2019.04.002 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 23 |
| Population | Sixth-grade female students at a boarding school for at-risk youth |
| Interventions | Learning 2 Breath Mindfulness Curriculum attention intervention |
| Duration | Six weeks |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Affect Adolescents Coping School-based programs Mindfulness intervention |
| Key findings | The mindfulness intervention was feasible in this population, with 22 of 23 participants attending all sessions and 86.4% of study tools completed. No significant group-by-time interactions appeared for primary coping, positive affect, or trait mindfulness; positive affect increased over time in both groups, while primary coping did not change. The authors suggest mindfulness-based interventions may contribute to positive affect among at-risk youth, though results are preliminary. |
Abstract
Background: Risky behaviors are related to poor outcomes among young adolescents. This study piloted a mindfulness based intervention, Learning 2 Breath Mindfulness Curriculum, focusing on the feasibility of programming and intervention effects on coping, affect, and trait mindfulness among at-risk adolescents. Further, the mindfulness based intervention was compared to an attention intervention.
Methods: Sixth-grade level female students in a boarding school for at-risk youth randomly allocated to either the mindfulness intervention (n = 12) or an attention intervention (n = 11) for six weeks.
Outcomes: (i.e., primary coping, positive affect, and trait mindfulness) were assessed before and after the interventions.
Results: Intervention groups did not differ in demographics or outcomes at baseline. Twenty-two of 23 (95.7%) registered participants attended all of the sessions. Participants completed 86.4% of study tools. Separate repeated measures ANOVAs revealed no significant interactions among group and time for primary coping, positive affect, or mindfulness. However, positive affect did increase [F(1, 17) = 10.675, p = 0.005, partial η 2 = 0.39] over time for both groups and there was a slight increase in trait mindfulness over time (although not statistically significant; p = 0.095, partial η 2 = 0.155]). Primary coping did not change with time.
Conclusion: The mindfulness intervention utilized in the present study exhibited feasibility in this population. Although preliminary, mindfulness based interventions may contribute to positive affect among at-risk youth in a boarding school. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
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
- Implementing twelve-weeks of loving-kindness meditation and mindfulness of breathing for adolescents with nonsuicidal self-injury and their parents: a mixed method pilot study. BMC Psychology July 23, 2025
- When Mindfulness has Side Effects: The Case of Prisoners Who Perceive Crimes Perpetrated as Not Very Severe. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology June 28, 2025
- Positive Affect as a Transdiagnostic Target for Reducing Adolescent Depression & Suicide Risk: Do Mindfulness, Savoring, & Gratitude Help? Journal des adolescens June 3, 2026
Cites 7
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- School-Based Mindfulness Instruction: An RCT Pediatrics December 19, 2015
- Review: Effectiveness of mindfulness in improving mental health symptoms of children and adolescents: a meta-analysis. Child and Adolescent Mental Health November 2015
- Enhancing Cognitive and Social–Emotional Development Through a Simple-to-Administer Mindfulness-Based School Program for Elementary School Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial Developmental Psychology 2015
- Feasibility and preliminary outcomes of a school-based mindfulness intervention for urban youth. Journal of abnormal child psychology October 1, 2010
and 2 more in the library