Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Children: A randomized group psychotherapy trial developed to enhance attention and reduce anxiety

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Children (MBCT-C) is a 12-session manualized group psychotherapy developed by the author and her colleagues. MBCT-C was adapted from an 8-session group program of MBCT developed by Segal and his colleagues for the prevention of depressive relapse in adults. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of MBCT-C with middle-school aged children.;A randomized controlled trial was conducted implementing a cross-lagged research design. Participants consisted of 25, mostly low-income, inner-city children, aged 9 to 12, who were enrolled in a remedial reading program at an urban University (15 girls, 10 boys). 84% were ethnic minorities (15 Latino, 6 African American, 4 Caucasian). After matching for age and gender, children were randomized to 1 of 4 groups.;Acceptability of the treatment was partly evaluated by participation rates. 74% of those invited to participate were recruited into the study. 86% of children attended more than 6 sessions (completion criterion). Session attendance for 21 children that completed the program was 89%.;Enhancement of attention has long been considered the essence of mindfulness. This primary hypothesis was supported. After participating in a twelve-week intervention of MBCT-C, participants were found to exhibit significantly fewer attention problems than had been previously reported. Improvements were maintained at 3-month follow-up. The hypothesized relationship between mindfulness and anxiety was not fully supported. Significant reductions in anxiety symptoms were reported across groups. A hypothesized relationship between mindfulness and reading comprehension was not supported. Participants demonstrated improved reading comprehension across all groups. The hypothesized inverse relationship between mindfulness and behavior problems was partially supported. Although reported behavioral problems declined, no significant between-group differences were found. Significant within-subjects reductions in anxiety and behavioral problems were reported over the course of the study. Reductions in attention problems were significantly correlated with reductions in behavior problems.;MBCT-C appears to be both feasible and acceptable to children. Further program development, evaluation, and implementation are needed. The results of this study are promising and support the author's call for continued research into the usefulness of mindfulness-based approaches for the treatment of childhood anxiety.