Mindfulness-based interventions for youth in the criminal justice system: a review of the research-based literature.
Rachel Murray, Rebecca Amann, Katey Thom
Psychiatry, Psychology, and Law June 14, 2018 DOI: 10.1080/13218719.2018.1478338 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Justice-involved youth aged 13 to 24 years |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based interventions |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Youth Rehabilitation Mental health Aggression Self-regulation Criminal justice Incarcerated |
| Key findings | The review synthesizes ten studies on mindfulness-based interventions for justice-involved youth into four themes: stress reduction, self-regulation, anger management, and acceptance. The authors note that while adult correctional research shows reduced hostility and improved self-esteem, less is known about youth, and they call for more methodologically rigorous research. |
Abstract
Mindfulness is a technique and sense of being present in the moment that incorporates aspects of acceptance, openness and meditation with the ultimate intention of improving well-being. Research indicates that mindfulness can significantly improve negative personality traits, reduce stress, increase attention, alleviate chronic pain and enhance mental health. Mindfulness-based interventions in correctional facilities have resulted in reduced hostility and improved self-esteem for adults, but less is known about its applicability amongst youth. This article reviews the research-based literature on the use of mindfulness-based interventions for youths (aged 13 to 24 years) involved in the justice system. A total of ten studies were located and synthesised into four themes of stress reduction, self-regulation, anger management and acceptance. The article concludes by considering the methodological rigour of the reviewed studies, providing recommendations for future research and contemplating the positive impact that mindfulness interventions might have on youth in the criminal justice system.
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 4
- Meditation in Prison The Oxford Handbook of Meditation January 13, 2021
- Effectiveness of a 4-Day Mindfulness-Based Intervention in a 2-Month Follow-Up for Chinese Incarcerated People. Behavior Therapy September 2022
- Mindfulness-based school interventions: A systematic review of outcome evidence quality by study design Mindfulness May 23, 2022
- A Pilot Study to Adapt a Trauma-Informed, Mindfulness-Based Yoga Intervention for Justice-Involved Youth. International Journal of Yoga Therapy 2021
Cites 12
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Mindfulness meditation and substance use in an incarcerated population. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors August 28, 2006
- An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care BMC Psychiatry April 7, 2006
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Massachusetts Correctional Facilities The Prison Journal June 1, 2007
- Mindfulness training for self-regulation and stress with incarcerated youth Probation Journal June 1, 2012
and 7 more in the library