The effect of a family-based mindfulness intervention on children with attention deficit and hyperactivity symptoms and their parents: design and rationale for a randomized, controlled clinical trial (Study protocol)
H. Lo, S. Wong, J. Wong, Simpson W. L. Wong, J. W. Yeung
BMC Psychiatry March 15, 2016 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-016-0773-1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial (study protocol) Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 120 |
| Population | Children aged 5 to 7 with ADHD or symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity, meeting or exceeding the borderline cutoff on the Chinese version of the Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behaviors Rating Scale (SWAN-C), and their parents in Hong Kong |
| Intervention | Family-based mindfulness intervention (FBMI) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention; trial conducted from mid-2015 to mid-2016 |
| Measures | Chinese version of the Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behaviors Rating Scale (SWAN-C), Attention Network Test |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The article describes the design of a multicenter, 8-week, waitlist-controlled randomized trial of a family-based mindfulness intervention (FBMI) for children with ADHD symptoms and their parents. The authors propose that if the hypotheses are confirmed, FBMI may serve as an additional treatment option for children with ADHD. |
Abstract
BackgroundAbout 4 % of children in Hong Kong have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The parents of children with ADHD report higher levels of stress and show more negative parenting behavior. Medication and behavior training are evidence-based treatments, but both show significant limitations. In short, medical treatment is not suitable for preschool children and would suppress growth, whereas parents under stress may not be capable of consistently applying behavior management skills. Mindfulness training can improve attention and facilitate cognitive development and overall functioning. It has been widely adopted as a treatment option in health care, but its application in a family context is limited. In this context, a family-based mindfulness intervention (FBMI) has been developed to promote the attention and mental health of children with attention symptoms and to reduce the stress experienced by their parents. This article describes the design and conduct of the trial.Methods/designA multicenter, 8-week, waitlist, randomized controlled trial of FBMI is currently being conducted in Hong Kong (from mid-2015 to mid-2016). Its effectiveness will be examined by comparing the participants who receive treatment to those in a waitlist control group. The study population consists of one hundred twenty children with ADHD, or with symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity, between 5 and 7 years of age and their parents. To be included in the study, the children are required to meet or exceed the borderline cutoff score of the Chinese version of the Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behaviors Rating Scale (SWAN-C). The primary outcome measures are the children’s ADHD symptoms and behavior and the parents’ stress. The secondary outcome measures include the children’s overall behavioral problems and performance on the Attention Network Test, the parents’ ADHD symptoms, the parents’ mindful parenting scores, and heart rate variability of parents.DiscussionThis study is probably the first randomized controlled trial of FBMI for young children and their caregivers. A rigorous design and multiple outcome measures are used to examine the effectiveness of FBMI. If the hypotheses are confirmed, FBMI may serve as an additional treatment option for children with ADHD.Trial registrationThis study is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (reference number: ChiCTR-IOR-15007292). Registered 28 October 2015.
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 2
- The use of mindfulness based interventions for school-aged children with ADHD in the United States - a literature review. Child Neuropsychology: A Journal of Normal and Abnormal Development in Childhood and Adolescence July 22, 2026
- A brief mindfulness- and compassion-based parenting programme delivered via instant messaging: Results and implications from two randomised controlled trials on reducing parental stress. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being December 1, 2025
Cites 5
- Mechanisms of mindfulness Journal of Clinical Psychology December 29, 2005
- A Model of Mindful Parenting: Implications for Parent–Child Relationships and Prevention Research Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review May 2, 2009
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting for their Parents Journal of Child and Family Studies February 1, 2011
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training on Behavioral Problems and Attentional Functioning in Adolescents with ADHD Journal of Child and Family Studies September 21, 2011
- Mindful Parenting in Mental Health Care. Mindfulness June 1, 2010