A program evaluation of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction as experienced by adolescent male bullies

In this dissertation, a qualitative research design was employed to investigate the experience of eight adolescent bullies who participated in a pilot study of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. This study was conducted at a juvenile corrections facility, and themes that arose from this unique sample were representative of the culture of the participants. This study explored the adolescents' behavioral and emotional experience as related to their mindfulness training and bullying behavior, and examined the feasibility of MBSR for adolescents and explored what modifications could make it more beneficial. Data analysis identified ten major themes and three minor themes addressing the question, "Which aspects of MBSR were helpful to the adolescent participants?" At least 75% of the participants described Better Interpersonal Relationships, Better Relationship with Self, Positive Physical Effects, Development of the Wise Mind, Increased Positive Emotions, Used Mindfulness as a Coping Skill, Improved Self-Management, Increased Affiliative Trust, Increased Emotional Intelligence and Increased Affective Coping as beneficial effects of their participation in mindfulness training. Fifty to 75% of the participants described Inclusion of Family/Improved Family Relations, Increased Control Over the Mind, and Increased Emotional Regulation. Results from the TRF showed several decreases in problematic behavior within individual participants including problems with conduct, attention, hyperactivity, externalizing behavior, oppositionality, and defiance. In terms of group change, increases were found in affective problems and somatic complaints following MBSR training. These preliminary results inform the applicability of MBSR to this unique sample.