This article describes an evaluation of the .b mindfulness program for young adolescents, with a tighter adherence than a previous randomized controlled trial, which obtained null results; the article provides information about the research study participants, design, and a discussion of the research outcomes.
Mindfulness is being promoted in schools as a prevention program despite a currently small evidence base. The aim of this research was to conduct a rigorous evaluation of the .b (“Dot be”) mindfulness curriculum, with or without parental involvement, compared to a control condition. In a randomized controlled design, students across a broad range of socioeconomic indicators received the nine-lesson curriculum delivered by an external facilitator with or without parental involvement, or were allocated to a usual curriculum control group. Self-report outcome measures were anxiety, depression, weight/shape concerns, wellbeing, and mindfulness. There were no differences in outcomes between any of the three groups at post-intervention, and at six- or 12-month follow-up. The authors conclude that further research is required to identify the optimal age, content, and length of mindfulness programs for adolescents in universal prevention settings. Publisher Abstract Provided