Mindfulness Training for Adolescents with Externalizing Disorders and their Parents

• DOI: 10.1017/s1352465808004190
• Publication Date: 2008-04-04T09:08:56Z
• Authors: Susan Bögels; Bert Hoogstad; Lieke van Dun; Sarah de Schutter; Kathleen Restifo
• Keywords: Parent training; Conduct disorder

Abstract Mindfulness training was evaluated as a new treatment for attention and impulsivity problems in adolescents with variety of different externalizing disorders: deficit-hyperactivity disorder, oppositional-defiant and/or conduct autism spectrum disorder if characterized by problem behaviour. It argued that the large overlap between these three disorders may be partially explained common underlying behaviour control deficits. Fourteen clinically referred suffering from followed mindfulness group format. Parallel, their parents received mindful parenting training. Adolescents were measured before after waitlist, 8-week training, at follow-up. No improvement occurred during waitlist on most variables. After children self-reported substantial personal goals, internalizing complaints, problems, happiness, awareness, performed better sustained test. Likewise, reported children's self-control, attunement to others withdrawal. In addition, improved own goals. Improvement maintained 8 weeks Consistent theory, increased child awareness predicted longer-term parent-rated symptoms. Concomitant parent appears promising approach clinic-referred problems.