MINDFULNESS-BASED INTERVENTIONS IN ADOLESCENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: A REVIEW OF SCHOOL-BASED APPLICATIONS AND CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE PRACTICES
Ibuan Oryiman Emmanuel, Emmanuel Uche Igwe, Amina Catherine Peter-Anyebe
Malaysian Mental Health Journal May 19, 2025 DOI: 10.26480/mmhj.01.2025.13.22 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Adolescents in secondary education settings, particularly culturally diverse and underserved populations |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Education |
| Key findings | The review reports evidence that mindfulness-based interventions reduce anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders in adolescents, and argues that integrating spiritual identity and cultural beliefs into mindfulness practice supports culturally responsive implementation in faith-based and public schools. |
Abstract
Adolescents face increasing psychological stressors that demand preventive and therapeutic strategies rooted in both scientific and cultural sensitivity. This review synthesizes findings on the implementation of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs)—such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)—in secondary education settings, particularly among culturally diverse and underserved populations. Emphasizing adolescent neurodevelopment, emotional regulation, and resilience-building, the paper highlights evidence on the efficacy of MBIs in reducing anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders. Additionally, it explores the integration of spiritual identity and cultural beliefs in mindfulness practices, presenting case examples from programs such as the Teen Success Program. The review concludes with a framework for culturally responsive implementation of MBIs in faith-based schools and public institutions, offering recommendations for educators, mental health professionals, and youth counselors.