Lessons learned from a mindfulness-based intervention with chronically ill youth

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2013

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to take steps toward developing a mindfulness-based intervention for youth with chronic medical conditions, and, more importantly, to document lessons learned for increasing the effectiveness of similar interventions in real-world clinical settings. Thirteen children and adolescents attending a specialized school for youth with chronic illness completed the intervention. Students completed pre- and postintervention assessments of health-related quality of life, psychosocial functioning, and mindfulness. Students also provided verbal feedback regarding the intervention. The program was evaluated using the following criteria: (a) treatment acceptability, (b) recruitment and retention, (c) timing, and (d) preliminary outcomes. Data from treatment completers revealed statistically significant improvement in anxiety symptoms from pre- to postintervention; no other significant changes were found. Additionally, a number of important lessons were learned from this endeavor including the importance of the following: frequency and number of sessions, between-session practice, small group size, modular rather than cumulative/linear group format, groups based on age rather than gender, and external rewards for participation. Findings highlighted important areas for improvement and implications for implementation are discussed.

Publication Title

Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology

First Page Number

146

Last Page Number

158

DOI

10.1037/cpp0000015

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