Mindfulness-based intervention for primary school aged children

A mindfulness-based cognitive therapy program for adults was adapted and piloted for nine disadvantaged children. A refined mindfulness intervention was then evaluated in a partially randomized controlled trial with 76 children aged between eight and 12 years. Children who underwent the mindfulness intervention showed superior improvements for anxiety, depression, inattention, and low self-esteem compared to a wellbeing program. Improvements to self-esteem were also superior compared to a widely used relaxation treatment. The study supports the utility of mindfulness as a treatment to improve the mental health of disadvantaged children.