Using Multi-Informant Qualitative Data to Inform Adaptations to Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Adolescents With Chronic Migraine
Michelle A. Clementi, Michelle Harmon, Emily F. Law, Sarah D. E. Perzow, Lauren B Shomaker, Talia Thompson
Clinical Journal of Pain April 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001354 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 15 |
| Population | Adolescents with chronic migraine, their parents, and health care providers (interest holders) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Four themes inform adaptation of mindfulness-based interventions for adolescents with chronic migraine: supporting mindfulness practice in the context of migraine pain, incorporating lived experience into intervention content, facilitating peer connections, and providing opportunities for parental involvement. The authors propose that addressing pain-related practice challenges and migraine-related isolation via group peer connection may improve fit, acceptability, and retention, and should be tested in future clinical trials. |
Abstract
Objectives: Adolescents with chronic migraine face increased risk for comorbid anxiety and depression that, can hinder migraine self-management and coping. Mindfulness-based interventions may reduce anxiety/depression to improve migraine outcomes, yet require tailoring to increase acceptability and engagement among this distinct population. The current study used qualitative methods to explore multi-informant perspectives on the illness experience and unique intervention content/delivery needs, with the goal of informing adaptations to mindfulness-based interventions for adolescents with chronic migraine.
Materials and Methods: Fifteen interest holders, representing adolescents with chronic migraine, their parents, and health care providers, completed semi-structured interviews assessing experiences with chronic migraine, the role of stress and emotions, attitudes toward mindfulness, and perspectives on a telehealth group mindfulness-based program. Interviews were transcribed and coded using a team-based thematic approach.
Results: Data revealed 4 major themes informing adaptations to mindfulness-based interventions for adolescents with chronic migraine: supporting engagement in mindfulness in the context of migraine pain, incorporating lived experience in intervention content, facilitating peer connections, and providing opportunities for parental involvement. Qualitative results were integrated with content expert input to develop specific adaptation recommendations for mindfulness-based interventions for adolescents with chronic migraine.
Discussion: Acknowledging and addressing the challenges of practicing mindfulness in the context of pain and targeting the isolating experience of chronic migraine by offering peer connection via group intervention delivery may offer unique ways to tailor mindfulness-based interventions for adolescents with chronic migraine. Adaptations may improve intervention fit, acceptability, and retention and should be tested in future clinical trials.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.