Publication Date
2017
Publication Details
Johnson, C., Burke, C., Brinkman, S. & Wade, T. (2017). A randomized controlled evaluation of a secondary school mindfulness program for early adolescents: do we have the recipe right yet?. Behaviour Research and Therapy,99M. G. Craske. 37-46. United Kingdom: Elsevier Ltd. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2017.09.001
Abstract
Objective Mindfulness is being promoted in schools as a prevention program despite a current small evidence base. The aim of this research was to conduct a rigorous evaluation of the .b (“Dot be”) mindfulness curriculum, with or without parental involvement, compared to a control condition. Method In a randomized controlled design, students (Mage 13.44, SD 0.33; 45.4% female) across a broad range of socioeconomic indicators received the nine lesson curriculum delivered by an external facilitator with (N = 191) or without (N = 186) parental involvement, or were allocated to a usual curriculum control group (N = 178). Self-report outcome measures were anxiety, depression, weight/shape concerns, wellbeing and mindfulness. Results There were no differences in outcomes between any of the three groups at post-intervention, six or twelve month follow-up. Between-group effect sizes (Cohen's d) across the variables ranged from 0.002 to 0.37. A wide range of moderators were examined but none impacted outcome. Conclusions Further research is required to identify the optimal age, content and length of mindfulness programs for adolescents in universal prevention settings.
School/Institute
Institute for Positive Psychology and Education
Document Type
Journal Article
Access Rights
ERA Access