Adaptation will need to occur in order to be able to use these skills with this age group, but several practices are currently in the process of being explored. However, the current enthusiasm for the project has been stated to outweigh the research that supports it.

Villanova University

It is noted that there are possible benefits for children participating in different mindfulness-related activities, such as yoga and meditation. However, it should be noted that more in-depth research is needed to measure change over time.

Mindfulness in Children and Youth

These are activities that are structured and require those that participate to be able to master both their mental and physical activity. It can also be described as mindful meditative practices.

Contemplative Practices

Greenberg, Mark T., and Alexis R. Harris. “Nurturing Mindfulness in Children and Youth: Current State of Research.” Child Development Perspectives, vol. 6, no. 2, 2012, pp. 161–66. Wiley Online Library, doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1750-8606.2011.00215.x.


Nurturing Mindfulness in Children and Youth: Current State of Research

Children are experiencing increasing amounts of adversity and with the current raised interest in Mindfulness techniques in adults, there is a call to expand this research to incorporate the child and youth population.

Reasons for Promoting Mindfulness in Children and Youth

Contemplative Practices in Children and Youth

An experimental design was used comparing minority children who received mindfulness intervention (MI) to those who received health education intervention (HEI) immediately pre- and postintervention. The result shows that group of children in MI has greater decrease in depression compare to HEI.

A Pilot Study Examining the Effect of Mindfulness on Depression and Anxiety for Minority Children

- Students exhibited a significant increase in attentional skills such as speed and quality of processing, selective attention, and processing speed.
- Students exhibited a significant decrease in stress factors relating to family, health, and academics.

The Effects of a Mindfulness Intervention Program on Students

A study conducted in Eastside Los Angeles amongst Latinx families in the area showed that participation in community-derived mindfulness-based intervention training led to improvements in perceived stress, emotion regulation in parents,  and increased family social support for children.

Mindfulness-based Interventions for Latinx Families

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programs adapted for adults with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers (mainly parents) showed an increase in subjective wellbeing and related mental health issues plus a further increase when participants came back in for a follow up.  A mindfulness based intervention called MYmind was adapted for adolescents (ages 8-19) and their parents.  Children showed improvements in social communication problems, emotional and behavioral functioning whereas parents improved in terms of parenting and parental mindful awareness.  Both these studies show that mindfulness-based programs can improve both autism spectrum disorder symptoms and common comorbid emotional and behavioral problems while also offering support for families.

Mindfulness and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Wheel of Awareness is a strong tool that can be used in the practice of contemplative mindfulness.  

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