1. Sample size is small, does not prove big effect of mindfulness method toward minority children
2. Self-report item can be bias

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

1. Abstract
2. Methods
3. Results
4. Discussion
5. Limitation

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

Liehr, P., & Diaz, N. (2010). A pilot study examining the effect of mindfulness on depression and anxiety for minority children. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 24(1), 69–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2009.10.001

Address these limitations and to test the effect of mindfulness on depression and anxiety for minority children

Abstract

Limitation

The methodology for the 2010 pilot study by Liehr and Diaz, which examined the effect of mindfulness on minority children, included four main components:
- Experimental Design: A comparison of minority children receiving a mindfulness intervention (MI) versus a health education intervention (HEI), evaluated immediately pre- and post-intervention.
- Participants: 18 children recruited from a summer camp (average age 9.5 to 11.1 years; 71% boys; 64% from Caribbean and Central American countries), with one lost to follow-up.
- Intervention: The MI used a Mindful Schools program focusing on breath, mindful movement, and generosity. The HEI used standard health lessons on activity, healthy foods, and stress management. Both interventions consisted of ten 15-minute daily classes over two weeks.
- Measures: The Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (for depression) and The State Anxiety Inventory for Children (for anxiety symptoms).

Methodology of the 2010 Mindfulness Pilot Study for Minority Children

The 2010 pilot study by Liehr and Diaz examining the effect of mindfulness on minority children highlighted several key discussion points:

1. Findings suggest that mindfulness may be a promising approach to help minority children cope with feelings of sadness and anxiousness.
2. A larger sample size might demonstrate a greater effect size of mindfulness in improving depressive symptoms in minority children, indicating that future research should be conducted with larger cohorts.
3. The curriculum proposed by Mindfulschools.org provided both a solid structure for testing and the flexibility necessary for presenting mindfulness to children of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

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