Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Their Parents: A Randomized Control Trial
Mónica Valero, Ausiàs Cebolla, Carla Colomer
Journal of Attention Disorders March 1, 2022 DOI: 10.1177/10870547211027636 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 30 |
| Population | Children aged 9–14 with an ADHD diagnosis and their parents |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based program (MYmind) |
| Duration | Pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Parents reported that the MYmind program reduced parenting stress and improved parenting styles immediately after the program, and at six-month follow-up reported improvements in children's inattention symptoms, executive functions, learning problems, aggression, and peer relations. Overreactivity decreased at both post-test and follow-up. The authors conclude the program is a promising treatment for children with ADHD and their parents. |
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this randomized control trial is to analyze the efficacy of a Mindfulness-based program (MYmind) in improving ADHD symptoms, associated problems, executive functions, and family functioning.
Method: The sample was composed of 30 children (9–14 years old) with an ADHD diagnosis and their parents. Participants were randomized into two groups, the MYmind group ( n = 15) and a wait-list group ( n = 15). Participants were assessed in three time periods: pre-, post-intervention, and at 6-month follow-up.
Results: After the program, parents reported a decrease in parenting stress and improvements in parenting styles. Six months after the intervention, parents reported significant improvements in children’s inattention symptoms, executive functions, learning problems, aggression, and peer relations. Overreactivity was the only variable that showed a decrease in both the post-test and follow-up periods.
Conclusion: These results suggest that the MYmind program is a promising treatment for children with ADHD and their parents.
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 23
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Literature Review. Brain Sciences September 30, 2024
- The effect of mindfulness-based interventions on mental health outcomes and wellbeing of informal caregivers of people with mental illness: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing August 1, 2024
- Breath-Focused Mindfulness and Compassion Training in Parent-Child Dyads: Pilot Intervention Study. JMIR Formative Research July 17, 2025
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Improving the Mental Health of Parents of Children with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of autism and developmental disorders March 13, 2025
- Combining mindfulness and cognitive training in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: study protocol of a pilot randomized controlled trial (the NeuroMind study). Frontiers in Psychology 2024
and 18 more in the library
Cites 7
- The Empirical Status of Mindfulness-Based Interventions: A Systematic Review of 44 Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials Perspectives on Psychological Science February 16, 2021
- 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
- Mindfulness for Children With ADHD and Mindful Parenting (MindChamp): A Qualitative Study on Feasibility and Effects Journal of Attention Disorders July 29, 2020
- Exploring the Efficacy of a Mindfulness Program for Boys With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder Journal of Attention Disorders April 26, 2020
and 2 more in the library