Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Children with Mental Health Problems: a 2-Year Follow-up Randomized Controlled Study
Katarina Laundy Frisenstam, Peter Friberg, Walter Osika, Yun Chen
Mindfulness October 16, 2021 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-021-01771-w (opens in new tab)
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Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 34 |
| Population | Swedish schoolchildren aged 9–14 years reporting moderate mental health problems |
| Intervention | Training for Mindfulness and Resilience (TMR) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention with follow-up at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 19 |
| Registration | NCT04806542 |
| Key findings | The authors report that the 8-week Training for Mindfulness and Resilience program improved mental health relative to best current practice: resilience rose at 6 months, anxiety fell at 1 and 2 years, anger fell at 6 months and 2 years, and disruptive behavior fell at 6 months. They suggest anxiety and anger benefits lasted 2 years, while resilience and disruptive behavior effects lasted 6 months. |
Abstract
Abstract Objectives Moderate mental health problems are highly prevalent and increasing in Swedish schoolchildren, elevating risk for future mental and somatic disability. The aim of this study was to determine whether an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention, Training for Mindfulness and Resilience (TMR), mitigates mental health symptoms and increases resilience during a 2-year follow-up.
Methods: Schoolchildren (aged 9–14 years) reporting moderate mental health problems were randomized into either TMR intervention group (N = 22) or control group, receiving best current practice (N = 12). We used validated questionnaires to measure anxiety, depression, anger, disruptive behavior, self-concept, resilience, stress, and mindfulness before treatment with either TMR or control, as well as at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years follow-up.
Results: We found a statistically significant effect of TMR intervention vs control, on resilience, anxiety, anger, and disruptive behavior. Compared to baseline, TMR increased the level of resilience at 6 months (p < .001); decreased anxiety at 1 (p < = .033) and 2 years (p = .04); anger at 6 months (p = .004) and 2 years (p = .039); disruptive behavior at 6 months (p = .006). In the control group, a decrease in resilience between 6 months and 2 years (p = .05) was observed. No other significant effects were found in the control group.
Conclusions: This study suggested that TMR improved mental health in schoolchildren with effects on anxiety and anger lasting for 2 years, and on resilience and disruptive behavior lasting for 6 months.
Trial Registration: Number NCT04806542, date of registration 18th of March 2021, retrospectively registered.
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
- Mindfulness in Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders of Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Pediatric Reports May 14, 2025
- Outcomes of Mindfulness Therapy for Adolescents with Mental Health Issues: A Scoping Review March 1, 2026
- Mindful energy balance exercise protocol as an adjunctive intervention for pediatric tourette syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. Scientific Reports October 23, 2025
Cites 12
- Assessing mindfulness in children and adolescents: Development and validation of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM). Psychological Assessment April 11, 2011
- Defining mindfulness by how poorly I think I pay attention during everyday awareness and other intractable problems for psychology's (re)invention of mindfulness: Comment on Brown et al. (2011). Psychological Assessment 2011
- 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
- The Role of Mindfulness in Reducing the Adverse Effects of Childhood Stress and Trauma Children February 28, 2017
- Out of the armchair and into the streets: Measuring mindfulness advances knowledge and improves interventions: Reply to Grossman (2011). Psychological Assessment November 28, 2011
and 7 more in the library