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Evaluation of a Mindfulness-based Intervention for Adolescents with Learning Disabilities and Co-occurring ADHD and Anxiety

Abstract  

The current study evaluated the impact of a 20-week mindfulness training program on executive function (EF), internalizing
and externalizing behavior and social skills in a clinical sample of adolescent boys with learning disabilities (LD). Integra
Mindfulness Martial Arts (MMA) is a manualized group treatment program incorporating elements of mindfulness meditation, cognitive
behavioral therapy (CBT), behavior modification and mixed martial arts. Adolescents (ages 12–18; n = 60) with LD were assigned to the MMA or wait list control group (WL). Adolescents and their parents completed standardized
questionnaires before and after training. Subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the impact of the intervention on
youth with co-occurring attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or anxiety. Compared to the WL group, MMA participants
with co-occurring ADHD (14 MMA, 14 WL) improved on parent-rated externalizing behavior, oppositional defiant problems and
conduct problems. Boys with elevated hyperactive/impulsive symptoms (12 MMA, 17 WL) improved on parent-rated social problems
and monitoring skills. Boys with elevated inattentive symptoms (15 MMA, 18 WL) improved on parent-rated social problems. Boys
with elevated anxiety (12 MMA, 17 WL) reported decreased anxiety. MMA shows promise as an alternative treatment option for
youth with LD and co-occurring difficulties.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Category Original Paper
  • Pages 1-14
  • DOI 10.1007/s12671-012-0089-2
  • Authors
    • Jillian Haydicky, Department of Human Development and Applied Psychology, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto, 252 Bloor Street West, 9th Floor, Toronto, ON M5S 1V6, Canada
    • Judith Wiener, Department of Human Development and Applied Psychology, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto, 252 Bloor Street West, 9th Floor, Toronto, ON M5S 1V6, Canada
    • Paul Badali, Integra Foundation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    • Karen Milligan, Integra Foundation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    • Joseph M. Ducharme, Department of Human Development and Applied Psychology, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto, 252 Bloor Street West, 9th Floor, Toronto, ON M5S 1V6, Canada
    • Journal Mindfulness
    • Online ISSN 1868-8535
    • Print ISSN 1868-8527
Posted in: Journal Article Abstracts on 04/05/2012 | Link to this post on IFP |
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