A Systematic Review of Mindfulness-Based School Interventions with Early Adolescents
Phillipa McKeering, Yoon-Suk Hwang
Mindfulness July 18, 2018 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-018-0998-9 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Early adolescent students |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 172 |
| Key findings | Across 13 reviewed papers, 11 reported positive improvements in well-being measures from mindfulness-based interventions in early adolescent students, based on quantitative and qualitative data. The authors argue this supports mindfulness as a school-based preventative well-being program for this age group, while their quality critique identifies methodological strengths and limitations relevant to whether such interventions meet evidence-based practice criteria. |
Abstract
Recent research on mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in schools have reported effect differences across age groups of students, with early adolescent students reporting the least effect. Existing reviews, however, include students across all age ranges and largely concern intervention effects and their contributors. The exclusion of qualitative data exploring students’ experiences of learning and practising mindfulness omits valuable information that could be used to better inform implementation of MBIs. The lack of quality critique employed in the existing reviews necessitates a new review. A search carried out in nine electronic databases resulted in an initial selection of 1571 records, from which 13 papers emerged that met all inclusion criteria. The review found positive improvements reported in well-being measures in 11 of the 13 papers examined across both quantitative and qualitative data that provide support for mindfulness as a well-being school preventative program with this age group. A quality analysis critique of each paper demonstrated methodological strengths and limitations of existing MBI studies for early adolescent students, which inform ongoing conversations about whether and how MBIs meet the criteria of evidence-based practice (EBP) as an effective educational program. Findings are discussed for future research and education considerations are reviewed for educational professionals who aim to support early adolescents through the implementation of MBIs at school.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 30
- Beyond All Splits: Envisioning the Next Generation of Science on Mindfulness and Compassion in Schools for Students. Mindfulness November 11, 2022
- Common and distinct lateralised patterns of neural coupling during focused attention, open monitoring and loving kindness meditation Scientific Reports 2020
- Mindfulness in Education: Insights Towards an Integrative Paradigm 2021
- The effectiveness of taught, self-help mindfulness-based interventions on Chinese adolescents' well-being, mental health, prosocial and difficult behavior, and coping strategy. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being August 1, 2024
- A Daily Breathing Practice Bolsters Girls’ Prosocial Behavior and Third and Fourth Graders’ Supportive Peer Relationships: A Randomized Controlled Trial Mindfulness June 15, 2023
and 25 more in the library
Cites 4
- A randomized controlled pilot trial of classroom-based mindfulness meditation compared to an active control condition in sixth-grade children. Journal of school psychology June 1, 2014
- School-Based Mindfulness Instruction: An RCT Pediatrics December 19, 2015
- Mindfulness-based interventions in schools—a systematic review and meta-analysis Frontiers in Psychology June 30, 2014
- Mindfulness Meditation May Lessen Anxiety, Promote Social Skills, and Improve Academic Performance Among Adolescents With Learning Disabilities Complementary health practice review 2008