A multiple methods pilot study of the Mindfulness and Self‐Compassion for Children and Caregivers course
Christine Lathren, S. DiMaio, Hana Nip, Jamie Lynn Tatera, Veronica Diaz, Karen Bluth, R. Herringa, Sara A. Heyn
Family Relations July 6, 2026 DOI: 10.1111/fare.70241 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Multiple methods study (feasibility study with pre-post surveys and qualitative interviews) Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 23 |
| Population | School-age children (mean age 8.4 years) and their caregivers, recruited in two cohorts of 23 dyads |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Education |
| Key findings | The MSC-CC program was feasible and acceptable, with high attendance and satisfaction and low attrition. Caregiver-reported child mental health improved significantly, but child self-reports did not reach significance. Qualitative interviews indicated improved emotional skills, attunement, closeness, and family dynamics. The authors call for controlled comparison given inconsistent findings. |
Abstract
This multiple methods study examines the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes associated with participation in the Mindfulness and Self‐Compassion for Children and Caregivers course (MSC‐CC). School‐age youth are experiencing unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression. Self‐compassion skills are accessible, evidence‐based, transdiagnostic tools that can help children regulate difficult emotions. Learning self‐compassion with a caregiver may improve child mental health and provide caregivers with resources to model and sustain skills. We recruited two cohorts (23 dyads) comprising children ( M age = 8.4) and a caregiver to participate in live online group‐based MSC‐CC. Dyads completed pre‐ and post‐course surveys and semistructured feedback interviews about their experience. Attendance and course satisfaction were high, and attrition was low. We detected significant improvements in caregiver‐reported child mental health outcomes; child self‐reports did not reach significance. We developed three themes from post‐course interviews: (a) confidence in and application of emotional skills, (b) attunement and closeness, and (c) course engagement and relatability. The MSC‐CC program is feasible, acceptable, and associated with caregiver‐reported improvement in child mental health and qualitative evidence of improved relational and family dynamics. Despite inconsistent findings, dyadic self‐compassion training is promising and should be examined compared to a control group.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Relation to Quality of Life, Mood, Symptoms of Stress, and Immune Parameters in Breast and Prostate Cancer Outpatients Early-stage breast and prostate cancer patients | 2003 | Pre-post intervention study | n = 59 |
| Exploring self‐compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) Community sample | 2010 | Pre-post intervention study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Lowers Psychological Distress In Medical Students Second-year medical students | 2003 | Prospective nonrandomized cohort-controlled study | n = 302 |
| Intensive meditation training, immune cell telomerase activity, and psychological mediators. Retreat participants and matched controls | 2011 | Controlled trial with wait-list control group | n = 60 |
| The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting for their Parents Children aged 8-12 with ADHD and their parents | 2011 | Within-group waitlist controlled trial | n = 22 |
Citations in the library
Cites 5
- The Effects of Mindfulness for Youth (MYmind) versus Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Improving Attention and Reducing Behavioral Problems among Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Their Parents: A Randomized Controlled Trial Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics December 1, 2023
- Is Mindful Parenting Associated with Adolescents' Well-being in Early and Middle/Late Adolescence? The Mediating Role of Adolescents' Attachment Representations, Self-Compassion and Mindfulness. Journal of Youth and Adolescence February 1, 2018
- Response to a mindful self-compassion intervention in teens: A within-person association of mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional well-being outcomes. Journal of adolescence April 14, 2017
- Making Friends With Yourself: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study of a Mindful Self-Compassion Program for Adolescents. Mindfulness December 19, 2015
- A pilot study and randomized controlled trial of the mindful self-compassion program. Journal of Clinical Psychology October 15, 2012