Introduction
In recent years, mindfulness training has gained traction as a potential tool for enhancing mental health and well-being among adolescents. However, the effectiveness of these programs, especially when implemented universally in school settings, remains a topic of debate. A recent study, the MYRIAD trial, sheds light on this issue, providing data-driven insights into the complexities of school-based mindfulness training (SBMT).
The MYRIAD Trial: A Closer Look
The MYRIAD trial, a large-scale cluster randomized controlled trial, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a universal SBMT program compared to standard social-emotional learning (SEL) in UK secondary schools. The study involved 8,376 students aged 11-13 across 84 schools. The primary outcomes measured included risk of depression, social-emotional-behavioral functioning, and well-being.
Key Findings
Contrary to expectations, the trial found no significant overall benefits of SBMT over standard SEL in improving mental health outcomes. In fact, the study revealed that:
- SBMT was associated with worse scores on risk of depression and well-being among students at risk of mental health issues, although these differences were not clinically significant.
- Higher dose and reach of the program correlated with worse social-emotional-behavioral functioning at post-intervention.
- SBMT did not effectively teach mindfulness skills or executive function with clinical relevance.
Implications for Practitioners
These findings suggest that SBMT, as implemented in the MYRIAD trial, may not be suitable as a universal intervention for adolescents. Practitioners should consider the following when implementing mindfulness programs:
- Targeted Interventions: Tailor mindfulness programs to meet the specific needs of subgroups, particularly those with existing mental health challenges.
- Developmental Appropriateness: Recognize that younger adolescents may struggle with the metacognitive demands of mindfulness training. Consider age-appropriate adaptations.
- Engagement and Implementation: Engage students in the design and delivery of mindfulness programs to enhance engagement and effectiveness.
Future Directions
The MYRIAD trial highlights the need for further research to explore alternative social-emotional learning programs that are better suited to the developmental stages and mental health needs of adolescents. Future studies should also investigate the role of implementation factors in the success of mindfulness programs.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: School-based mindfulness training in early adolescence: what works, for whom and how in the MYRIAD trial?
