Testing the Effectiveness of a Parent and Child Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Child Venipuncture

Each script for the mindfulness-based intervention was slightly modified to fit the context of a venipuncture, and begins with instructions to take deep breaths. Both scripts aim to cultivate present moment awareness of experiences, curiosity, nonjudgement, and acceptance of experiences as they unfold. In particular, the scripts ask that the participant visualize their worries and feelings as a cloud in the sky, and probes for curious thoughts about these experiences. The temporary nature of sensations is described, and the participant is asked to keep this openness and curiosity during the venipuncture.

Each script for the unfocused attention task instructs participants to allow their mind and thoughts to roam. The aim is to encourage the participant to continue thinking and mind wandering as they typically would.