Promoting Resilience in Youth Through Mindfulness mEditation

The investigational treatment is the LOS training, which is an adaptation of two previously validated mindfulness-based programs: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) developed by Segal, Williams, and Teasdale (2002) and the Mindful2Work (M2W) program developed by de Bruin, Formsma, and Bögels (2018). The M2W program combines mindful physical activity, yoga, and mindfulness meditation to target stress symptoms and burn-out in adults. The LOS training was adapted from these programs to meet the needs of youth with internalizing problems. The training consists of 8 weekly 2-hour sessions that each comprise three elements: mindful physical activity (15-20 minutes), yoga (15-20 minutes), and mindfulness meditation exercises (80-90 minutes). In addition to attending group sessions, participants are invited to practice at home on a daily basis. Home practice consists of daily mindfulness practices comprising mindfulness exercises, yoga and mindful physical activity.

"Youth who seek help for internalizing problems from a primary mental health practitioner, including student psychologists or mental health nurse practioners, but do not (yet) meet criteria for (major) mental illness are typically offered supportive counselling, aimed primarily at helping people feel understood and supported. Supportive counselling may also include instructions on behavioral activation, particularly when individuals report reduced activity and behavioral avoidance including social withdrawal. In addition, mental health practitioners commonly employ a watchful waiting policy for people with symptoms in the milder range, where they check-in with clients on a regular basis and refer for more intensive treatment if and when symptoms worsen."