Effectiveness of Online Mindfulness-Based Intervention (iMBI) on Inattention, Hyperactivity–Impulsivity, and Executive Functioning in College Emerging Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Study Protocol
K. Pheh, K. Tan, Normala Ibrahim, Sherina Mohd Sidik
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health January 30, 2021 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031257 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial (study protocol) Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 108 |
| Population | Chinese Malaysian college emerging adults with ADHD |
| Interventions | Online mindfulness-based intervention (iMBI) treatment-as-usual |
| Duration | 8-week intervention; outcomes at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 1-month post-intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The authors propose that an 8-week online mindfulness-based intervention (iMBI) plus treatment-as-usual will reduce inattention and hyperactivity–impulsivity and improve executive functioning among Chinese Malaysian college emerging adults with ADHD, compared with an enhanced treatment-as-usual control group. The trial is designed to evaluate this, with outcomes at baseline, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up. |
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a common neurodevelopmental disorder, often persists into adulthood. In Malaysia, the prevalence rate of hyperactivity symptoms is highest among Chinese Malaysians. There are limited evidence-based treatment options targeting the core symptoms of ADHD, as well as executive functioning. In addition, conventional psychotherapeutic approaches for adults with ADHD have been found to be highly labor-intensive. The present study will evaluate the effectiveness of an online mindfulness-based intervention to reduce inattention and hyperactivity–impulsivity and improve executive functioning among Chinese Malaysian college emerging adults with ADHD. Informed by established literature, we will design an 8-week online mindfulness-based intervention (i.e., iMBI). We will conduct a two-arm randomized controlled trial comparing an iMBI plus treatment-as-usual group (n = 54) and an enhanced treatment-as-usual control group (n = 54). Outcome measures of inattention, hyperactivity–impulsivity, and executive functioning will be collected at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 1-month post-intervention. The findings of the present study will not only demonstrate the implementation of iMBI as a new treatment modality but also inform practitioners on the effectiveness of iMBI in reducing the burden of adults living with ADHD.
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 4
- Effects of mindfulness breathing meditation on stress and cognitive functions: a heart rate variability and eye-tracking study Scientific Reports October 24, 2025
- Effects of online mindful stretching exercises for loneliness, mindfulness, and hair cortisol: A mixed method study. Explore June 26, 2025
- The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Children’s Executive Functions: An Updated Meta-Analysis Mindfulness August 19, 2026
- Effects of Mindfulness E-Activities on Academic Resilience in ADD/ADHD Students Journal of Disability Research 2025
Cites 18
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- What defines mindfulness-based programs? The warp and the weft Psychological Medicine December 29, 2016
- Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica April 28, 2011
- Cognitive-Affective Neural Plasticity following Active-Controlled Mindfulness Intervention Journal of Neuroscience October 31, 2012
- Group, One-on-One, or Internet? Preferences for Mindfulness Meditation Delivery Format and their Predictors Open Medicine Journal November 28, 2014
and 13 more in the library