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.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation in Prison International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology August 28, 2015
- Improved Executive Functions and Reduced Craving in Youths with Methamphetamine Addiction: Evidence from Combined Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation with Mindfulness Treatment Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience October 25, 2021
- Meditation in Prison The Oxford Handbook of Meditation January 13, 2021
- Understanding the Influence of Experiential Psychotherapy Among Men Who Have Offended: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology June 2, 2026
- A Pilot Study of a Meditation and Mindfulness Program with Detained Juveniles: An Adaptation of Inner Resources for Teens (IRT) Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice 2020
and 2 more in the library
Cites 11
- Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2003
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction for the treatment of adolescent psychiatric outpatients: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2009
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Massachusetts Correctional Facilities The Prison Journal June 1, 2007
- Transpersonal psychology: Defining the past, divining the future. The Humanistic Psychologist 2007
- Mindfulness training for self-regulation and stress with incarcerated youth Probation Journal June 1, 2012
and 6 more in the library