Mindfulness‐based stress reduction for mental health in youth: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Sunita Vohra, Salima Punja, Erica Ms Sibinga, Lola T. Baydala, Erik Wikman, Anthony Singhal, Florin Dolcos, K. Jessica van Vliet
Child and Adolescent Mental Health October 15, 2018 DOI: 10.1111/camh.12302 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized cluster-controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 85 |
| Population | Adolescents aged 12-18 residing in CASA House, a voluntary residential treatment program |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) usual care |
| Duration | Eight MBSR sessions of 2 hr/week |
| Measures | Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC-2) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 35 |
| Registration | NCT01307943 |
| Key findings | MBSR plus usual care produced significantly better teacher-rated internalizing problems and adaptive skills on the BASC-2 than usual care alone, with no significant differences on other outcomes. A post hoc analysis found a significantly shorter time to discharge in the MBSR arm. The authors conclude MBSR is effective for improved coping with internalizing problems and adaptive emotional skills in this sample. |
Abstract
Background: Mental illness is among the most common causes of morbidity, mortality, and disability in childhood. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has shown significant benefit in mental health; however, evidence of its effectiveness in youth is limited. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of MBSR plus usual care versus usual care alone for reducing mental health symptoms in youth.
Methods: A two-arm, mixed methods, randomized cluster-controlled trial of 12-18 year olds who were residents of CASA House, a voluntary residential treatment program for adolescents, between January 2011 and March 2013 (clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01307943).
Interventions: Treatment terms were randomized to usual care, or MBSR plus usual care, which included eight MBSR sessions of 2 hr/week.
Outcomes: The primary outcome was impact on emotions and behavior at the end of the program, using the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC-2). Secondary outcomes included perceived stress levels, mindfulness, and emotional regulation.
Results: A total of 85 participants were randomized to either the MBSR arm (n = 45) or control arm (n = 40). Significant differences in favor of MBSR were found on Teacher ratings of the Internalizing Problems (p = .038) and Adaptive Skills subscales (p = .022) on the BASC-2. No significant differences were found on other outcomes. A post hoc analysis found that the MBSR arm had a significantly shorter time to discharge (p = .02).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that MBSR is effective for improved coping with internalizing problems and adaptive emotional skills in our sample. Future studies should focus on larger, longer-term studies in youth.