Trait mindfulness in adolescents with and without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
John T Mitchell, Naomi O Davis, Jessica R Lunsford-Avery
Research in Developmental Disabilities January 31, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2025.104926 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 59 |
| Population | Adolescents with and without ADHD |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Awareness Sleep Adolescent Child Female Executive function ADHD Mindfulness-based interventions Trait mindfulness |
| Key findings | Adolescents with ADHD scored significantly lower in trait mindfulness than non-ADHD peers, and trait mindfulness, especially the facet 'acting with awareness', was inversely associated with ADHD symptoms, cognitive disengagement syndrome symptoms, executive functioning difficulties, and sleep problems. The authors argue these results support developing mindfulness-based interventions for adolescents with ADHD. |
Abstract
Background and
Objectives: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are proposed to cultivate trait mindfulness through mindfulness practice, which may in turn to lead improved clinical outcomes. Individuals who report lower levels of this trait may be promising candidates for MBIs because they present with the opportunity for growth in this area. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been associated with low trait mindfulness, though facets of trait mindfulness and ADHD features beyond core symptoms have not been examined among youth with the disorder. The goal of this study was to examine trait mindfulness-including facets of trait mindfulness-in adolescents with and without ADHD in relation to ADHD symptoms and related ADHD characteristics.
Methods: Adolescents (29 ADHD, 30 non-ADHD) and their caregivers completed measures of ADHD symptoms and related characteristics. Adolescents completed a trait mindfulness measure.
Results: The ADHD group scored significantly lower than the non-ADHD group in trait mindfulness. ADHD symptoms and multiple related characteristics were also inversely associated with trait mindfulness. A series of regressions controlling for sex and age indicated that trait mindfulness-particularly acting with awareness-is inversely associated with ADHD symptoms, cognitive disengagement syndrome symptoms, executive functioning, and sleep.
Conclusions: Trait mindfulness, particularly acting with awareness, is lower among adolescents with ADHD and is inversely associated with ADHD and related characteristics. Because mindfulness is thought to be particularly therapeutic for those low in trait mindfulness, findings indicate the need to develop MBIs for adolescents with ADHD.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Experienced meditators and nonmeditating comparison groups | 2008 | Cross-sectional study | |
| Neural Correlates of Dispositional Mindfulness During Affect Labeling Adult participants | 2007 | Observational cross-sectional | n = 27 |
| Assessing mindfulness in children and adolescents: Development and validation of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM). School-aged children and adolescents | 2011 | Cross-sectional validation study | n = 1,413 |
| Mindfulness and self-compassion as predictors of psychological wellbeing in long-term meditators and matched nonmeditators Experienced meditators and demographically matched nonmeditators | 2012 | Cross-sectional study | n = 152 |
| Mechanisms of Action in the Inverse Relationship Between Mindfulness and Psychological Distress Undergraduates | 2008 | Cross-sectional, correlational |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- The relationship between trait mindfulness and psychotic-like experiences in a brief AI-generated music listening context: the roles of presence, perceived interactivity, and emotional arousal Frontiers in Psychiatry July 28, 2026
- How digital mindfulness training promotes meaning in life among social workers: a parallel mediation analysis and latent profile analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry November 21, 2025
- The effects of mindfulness and cognitive strategy interventions on core symptoms in children with ADHD: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Affective Disorders October 1, 2025
Cites 13
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
- Clinical Application of Mindfulness-Oriented Meditation: A Preliminary Study in Children with ADHD International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health September 22, 2020
- Examining the factors that are correlated with mindfulness with a focus on attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms Perspectives In Psychiatric Care May 18, 2018
- Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs) in Adolescents With ADHD and Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS): A Pilot Open Trial Journal of Attention Disorders October 14, 2024
and 8 more in the library