Effects of Two Online Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Early Adolescents for Attentional, Emotional, and Behavioral Self-Regulation.
Bárbara Porter, Cristián Oyanadel, Ignacio Betancourt, Frank C Worrell, Wenceslao Peñate
Pediatric Reports March 29, 2024 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric16020022 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 74 |
| Population | Children aged 8 to 12 years (early adolescence) |
| Duration | 8 weeks, with a weekly 1-hour online synchronous session plus home practices; evaluated before and at the end of the 8-week period |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Attention Adolescence Childhood Mental health Self-regulation Emotional regulation Behavioral regulation Online mbis |
| Key findings | Both mindfulness-based interventions increased mindfulness and emotional and behavioral regulation scores, but only the attention-focused intervention produced significant changes in attentional self-regulation. The authors suggest that online mindfulness programs emphasizing attention to external and internal stimuli may help strengthen self-regulation skills in early adolescence. |
Abstract
(1)
Background: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have shown interesting preliminary effects on self-regulation processes in early adolescence. However, programs have typically combined different types of interventions with no understanding of the specific effect of each intervention type on attentional, emotional, and behavioral regulation. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of two MBIs-one focused on classic attentional practices and another focused on the recognition and expression of emotions-on attentional, emotional, and behavioral self-regulation in early adolescents. (2)
Method: An experimental paradigm was used. A sample of 74 children aged between 8 and 12 years old were randomly assigned to three experimental conditions: (1) an MBI with a focus on attentional practices, (2) an MBI with a focus on recognition and expression of emotions, and (3) a control group. The interventions lasted 8 weeks, with a weekly, 1 h online synchronous session plus home practices. Children were evaluated before starting the intervention and at the end of the 8-week period. The assessed outcomes were (1) mindfulness; (2) emotional regulation; (3) attentional regulation, and (4) behavioral regulation. (3)
Results: Children who participated in both intervention programs increased their mindfulness and emotional and behavioral regulation scores. Only children who participated in the MBI with a focus on attention showed significant changes in their ability to self-regulate attention. (4)
Conclusions: The use of online MBIs, with attention to external and internal stimuli practices, can be a good strategy to strengthen self-regulation skills for attention, emotions, and behavior in early adolescence.
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 4
- 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
- Longitudinal and dynamic associations of engagement in mindfulness training with emotion regulation difficulties, mindfulness, and self-compassion in community adolescents. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being August 1, 2026
- Outcomes of Mindfulness Therapy for Adolescents with Mental Health Issues: A Scoping Review March 1, 2026
- Mindfulness-based training effect on attention, impulsivity, and emotional regulation among children with ADHD: The role of family engagement in randomized controlled trials. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing October 1, 2024
Cites 5
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- Evaluation of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on the Quality of Life and Mental Health of Mothers of Deaf Children Journal of Modern Rehabilitation October 1, 2017
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