Mindfulness-Based Substance Abuse Treatment for Incarcerated Youth: A Mixed Method Pilot Study
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies 2011 DOI: 10.24972/ijts.2011.30.1-2.1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Mixed-method embedded model Pilot study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 60 |
| Population | Incarcerated youth |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based substance use intervention |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 47 |
| Key points | Impulsiveness decreased significantly (p < .01) and perceived risk of drug use increased significantly (p < .05) from pretest to posttest, while self-reported self-regulation showed no significant difference. Focus groups revealed themes of program receptivity, facilitator teaching style, and drug learning. |
Abstract
The current study investigated the effects of an 8-week mindfulness-based substance use intervention on self-reported impulsiveness, perceived drug risk, and healthy self-regulation in a sample of 60 incarcerated youth. Forty-eight participants completed questionnaires pre and post intervention. Additionally, 16 participants from two of the final 8-week cohorts were interviewed in focus groups about their experience of the program immediately following its completion. A mixed-method embedded model was used, in which qualitative data was used in support of quantitative data. Paired t-tests revealed a significant decrease (p < .01) in impulsiveness and a significant increase (p < .05) in perceived risk of drug use from pretest to posttest. No significant differences were found on selfreported self-regulation. Focus group interviews conducted immediately following the intervention revealed three major themes: receptivity to the program in general, appreciation of the facilitator teaching style, and learning about drugs. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.