The Use of Mindfulness to Improve Emotional Regulation and Impulse Control among Adolescents with ADHD
Miranda L. Virone
Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention December 22, 2021 DOI: 10.1080/19411243.2021.2009081 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Middle school students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) |
| Duration | Six-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Pre- and post-intervention mixed methods measures indicate that a six-week mindfulness intervention improved ADHD symptoms among middle school students, reduced the frequency of external cues needed to identify negative symptoms, improved their ability to implement mindfulness techniques during events producing negative symptoms of emotional regulation and impulse control, and improved their understanding of what mindfulness is. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT This article reviews a mindfulness intervention and its effect on emotional regulation and impulse control among middle school students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Substantial literature exists to support the use of mindfulness among adolescents with ADHD to improve negative symptoms of emotional regulation and impulsivity. Middle school students were recruited to participate in a six-week intervention that involved formal and informal mindfulness practices. Pre- and post-intervention mixed methods outcomes measures indicate that a mindfulness intervention improves ADHD symptoms, reduces the frequency for external cues to identify negative symptoms, improves the ability to implement mindfulness techniques during events that produce negative symptoms of emotional regulation and impulse control, and improves the understanding of what mindfulness is. Further research is indicated to determine additional uses for mindfulness as an occupational therapy intervention to improve social and educational participation and among adolescents with ADHD.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Mindfulness-based interventions in psychopedagogy for students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): a scoping review Frontiers in Psychology August 11, 2026
- Mapping neural effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in ADHD using EEG microstates and machine learning models. Frontiers in Psychiatry 2025
- Can a Universal Mindfulness Intervention in Schools Reduce ADHD Symptoms among Adolescents? A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Scandinavian Journal of Psychology December 15, 2024
Cites 4
- 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 Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training on Behavioral Problems and Attentional Functioning in Adolescents with ADHD Journal of Child and Family Studies September 21, 2011
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Therapies for ADHD: A Meta-Analytic Review Journal of Attention Disorders March 1, 2020
- Mindfulness Meditation Training in Adults and Adolescents With ADHD Journal of Attention Disorders May 1, 2008