The Effects of Family-Based Mindfulness Intervention on ADHD Symptomology in Young Children and Their Parents: A Randomized Control Trial

J Atten Disord. 2020 Mar;24(5):667-680. doi: 10.1177/1087054717743330. Epub 2017 Nov 29.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate the feasibility of a family-based mindfulness intervention in improving children with inattention and hyperactivity symptoms. Method: A total of 100 children aged 5 to 7 years with ADHD symptoms and their parents were randomly assigned to a family-based mindfulness intervention (n = 50) or a wait-list control group (n = 50). Results: Families from intervention group had greater improvements in children's ADHD symptoms, with medium effect sizes of -0.60 for inattention and -0.59 for hyperactivity; overall behaviors; and parenting stress and well-being than those in wait-list control group. Conclusion: The positive results on the child primary outcome measures have provided initial evidence of the family-based mindfulness intervention as a treatment option to ADHD. The reduction of parental stress and increase in psychological well-being has demonstrated the value of mindfulness in enhancing parent's self-management.

Keywords: ADHD; children; family; mindfulness; randomized controlled trial.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / therapy
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Family Therapy
  • Humans
  • Mindfulness*
  • Parenting
  • Parents