Mindfulness-based stress reduction in adolescents with mental disorders: A randomised clinical trial.
Mª C Díaz-González, Carolina Pérez Dueñas, Araceli Sánchez-Raya, Juan A Moriana Elvira, Vicente Sánchez Vázquez
Psicothema May 2018 DOI: 10.7334/psicothema2017.259 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized clinical trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 101 |
| Population | Adolescent outpatients aged 13-16 years receiving psychological or psychiatric treatment for various disorders in mental health facilities in Cordoba, Spain |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) treatment as usual (TAU) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Adding MBSR to treatment as usual significantly reduced anxiety state compared with treatment as usual alone. No other outcome differences reached statistical significance, though the authors report greater reductions in depression, anxiety, paranoia, and perceived stress in the MBSR+TAU group, and suggest MBSR may be a useful adjunct for adolescents in mental health facilities. |
Abstract
Currently, there is a strong movement to implement mindfulness interventions with young people. The objective of this randomised clinical trial was to assess the potential effects of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programme for adolescent outpatients in mental health facilities in Cordoba, Spain. A total of 101 adolescents aged 13-16 years old, receiving psychological or psychiatric treatment for various disorders, were eligible for the study. The participants’ scores on mindfulness, self-esteem, perceived stress, state-trait anxiety and other psychological symptoms were examined at two time-points. Eighty adolescents completed the study (MBSR+TAU group = 41; TAU group = 39). The MBSR+TAU group showed a statistically significant decrease in anxiety state compared to the treatment-as-usual (TAU) group. No statistically significant differences were found between groups on the other scores, but the intervention was observed to have a greater impact on the MBSR+TAU group than in the TAU group, especially in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, paranoia and perceived stress. These results suggest that MBSR may be a useful adjunct treatment for adolescents in mental health facilities.
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 8
- 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
- The Effects of Mindfulness Techniques on Anxiety, Depression, and Stress, with an Emphasis on Gratitude: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Healthcare February 27, 2026
- Context Always Matters: A Grassroots Model for a Mindfulness Program in Schools Contemporary School Psychology June 16, 2026
- Outcomes of Mindfulness Therapy for Adolescents with Mental Health Issues: A Scoping Review March 1, 2026
- Mindfulness-Based Intervention to Reduce Sensitivity to Anxiety in a Spanish Primary Education Setting Mindfulness February 1, 2025
and 3 more in the library