Exploring an intensive meditation intervention for incarcerated youth
Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Format:
Journal Article
Publication Date:
2014/02//
Pages:
69 - 73
Sources ID:
57076
Collection:
Mindfulness, Diversity, and Social Justice
Visibility:
Public (group default)
Abstract:
(Show)
BackgroundWe examined the experiences of incarcerated adolescent males (N = 29) who participated in a one‐day meditation retreat and 10‐week meditation programme.
Method
Self‐report surveys assessing mindfulness, self‐regulation, impulsivity and stress; behavioural assessments; and focus group data were examined.
Results
We observed significantly higher scores in self‐regulation (p = .012) and psychometric markers demonstrated psychological enhancement. No behavioural change was observed. Six themes emerged: enhanced well‐being, increased self‐discipline, increased social cohesiveness, expanded self‐awareness, resistance to meditation and future meditation practice.
Conclusions
Early evidence suggests that meditation training for incarcerated youth is a feasible and promising intervention.