Can a Universal Mindfulness Intervention in Schools Reduce ADHD Symptoms among Adolescents? A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Marianne Holopainen, Mirka Hintsanen, Jari Lahti, Tero Vahlberg, Salla-Maarit Volanen
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology December 15, 2024 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.13090 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cluster randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 3,519 |
| Population | Adolescents aged 12 to 15 years from Finnish schools |
| Duration | 9-week intervention, 26-week follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Education |
| Key findings | The universal nine-week mindfulness-based program (.b) produced no positive effects on parent-reported ADHD symptoms compared with relaxation-based active control or passive control groups. No subgroup (gender, age, socioeconomic status) benefited, and regular home practice did not strengthen intervention effects. The authors conclude that brief universal MBIs in whole school classes are not supported for reducing elevated ADHD symptoms in adolescents. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT Existing studies suggest that mindfulness‐based interventions (MBIs) can reduce ADHD symptoms when delivered as targeted clinical programs to young people diagnosed with ADHD. However, there is currently a lack of research on whether MBIs are effective in reducing elevated ADHD symptoms when delivered as universal programs to whole classes in schools. This study investigated the effects of a universal nine‐week MBI (.b program) on students' elevated ADHD symptoms using an cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. The modifying effects of pupils' baseline characteristics (gender, age, and socioeconomic status) and home‐practice intensity were examined. A total of 3519 adolescents aged 12 to 15 years from Finnish schools were randomized into an MBI group, a relaxation‐based active‐control group, and a passive‐control group. ADHD symptoms were measured at baseline (T0), at nine weeks (T9), and at 26‐weeks (T26, follow‐up) using parent‐reported assessments. The study found no positive intervention effects on parent‐reported ADHD symptoms in the MBI group compared to the control groups. Neither boys nor girls benefited from the MBI. The same was true of different age groups and socioeconomic levels. Moreover, regular home practice during the follow‐up period did not strengthen the intervention effects. The results do not support the use of brief, universal MBIs in whole school classes as part of the routine curriculum to reduce elevated ADHD symptoms in adolescents. Further research is essential to identify optimal content and delivery methods for MBIs in schools. Particularly among adolescents with elevated ADHD symptoms, targeted MBIs, adapted to the unique needs of this subgroup, should be examined. Trial Registration: Healthy Learning Mind—a school‐based mindfulness and relaxation program: a study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) ISRCTN18642659 retrospectively registered on 13 October 2015. The full trial protocol can be accessed at http://rdcu.be/t57S
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- A School-Based Mindfulness Intervention for Adolescent Mental Health: The Moderating Effect of Personality Traits Mindfulness 2026
- Effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on resilience of junior helper school of public health, Thailand Journal of Education and Health Promotion July 12, 2026
- Mindfulness-based interventions for children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a Bayesian meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Frontiers in Psychology March 11, 2026
Cites 22
- Research Review: The effects of mindfulness‐based interventions on cognition and mental health in children and adolescents – a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry October 22, 2018
- Promoting prosocial behavior and self-regulatory skills in preschool children through a mindfulness-based kindness curriculum. Developmental Psychology November 10, 2014
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting for their Parents Journal of Child and Family Studies February 1, 2011
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training on Behavioral Problems and Attentional Functioning in Adolescents with ADHD Journal of Child and Family Studies September 21, 2011
- The effect of mindfulness-based interventions on inattentive and hyperactive–impulsive behavior in childhood: A meta-analysis International Journal of Behavioral Development October 9, 2020
and 17 more in the library