Culturally Responsive Mindfulness for Trauma Recovery in Foster Youth.
Tyton S Brunner
Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma September 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-026-00840-3 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Randomized Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Foster youth |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Cultural responsiveness Foster youth Mental health Mindfulness-based interventions Resilience Trauma-informed care |
| Key findings | Argues that Mindfulness-Based Interventions can reduce PTSD symptoms, improve emotional regulation, and strengthen relational trust among foster youth, and that culturally responsive adaptations are needed to align practices with diverse youth's experiences. Suggests integrating mindfulness into child welfare and educational systems may promote self-awareness, empowerment, and psychological well-being, with potential for sustained improvements in self-concept, coping, and relational functioning. |
Abstract
Foster youth often experience complex trauma, instability, and systematic inequities that contribute to long-term mental health challenges. This conceptual review synthesizes evidence from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and applied practice to examine how Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) can support trauma recovery among foster youth. Drawing from recent Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and applied practice, this conceptual review synthesizes evidence showing that MBIs reduce Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms, improve emotional regulation, and strengthen relational trust. The paper highlights the need for culturally responsive adaptations that align mindfulness practices with the lived experiences and values of racially and ethnically diverse foster youth. Evidence from school-based, digital, and community programs demonstrates that integrating mindfulness into child welfare and educational systems can promote self-awareness, empowerment, and psychological well-being. Attention is given to long-term outcomes, including the potential for sustained improvements in self-concept, coping, and relational functioning. The article concludes with implementation strategies and policy directions to embed trauma-informed, culturally grounded MBIs within foster care settings. By investing in training, community engagement, and longitudinal research, stakeholders can strengthen resilience and promote healing for youth with histories of trauma.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 10
- A Systematic Review on the State of the Art of Culturally Adapted Mindfulness-Based Interventions for First Nations Peoples: Cultural Adaptation, Effectiveness, and Feasibility Mindfulness September 1, 2024
- Cost-effectiveness of providing university students with a mindfulness-based intervention to reduce psychological distress: economic evaluation of a pragmatic randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open November 23, 2023
- Mindfulness in Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders of Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Pediatric Reports May 14, 2025
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Psychological Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry July 30, 2025
- Passport to Freedom: A Trauma-Informed Mindfulness Program for Previously Incarcerated Women. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services June 1, 2024
and 5 more in the library