Implementation of a mindfulness intervention to increase adolescent resilience in an after-school program: a quality improvement project.

Author

Katie Thomas, University of LousivilleFollow

Date on Paper

8-2023

Document Type

Doctoral Paper

Degree Name

D.N.P.

Department

Nursing

Committee Chair

Galloway, Lynette

Committee Member

Martens, Sally

Author's Keywords

Mindfulness; Mindfulness-based intervention; Universal prevention program; Adolescent; Resilience; Afterschool Program

Abstract

Background: Globally, fourteen percent of adolescents ages 10 to 19 years old suffer from mental health problems (World Health Organization, 2021). Resilience is a fundamental concept of the mental health promotion framework (CAMH, 2022).The WHO (2020) “Guidelines on Mental Health Promotive and Preventive Interventions for Adolescents” includes the recommendation that universal interventions to promote mental health and reduce mental disorders should include social and emotional learning (SEL), such as emotional regulation, mindfulness, stress management, problem solving, and interpersonal skills. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are one evidence-based method of accomplishing this goal (Sapthiang et al., 2018). Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to evaluate the implementation of a MBI in an afterschool program. The goal of the intervention was to increase resilience and mindfulness in the adolescent population at Hope Academy for Kids (HAFK), an afterschool program serving at-risk students. Intervention: Implementation of a six-session MBI, Learning to BREATHE (L2B), in adolescents grades 9 through 12. Sessions took place on six consecutive Fridays after school at HAFK. Methods: Pre- and Post-program comparison of self-reported resilience and mindfulness. Resilience was measured using the Child and Youth Resilience Measure-Revised (CYRM-R). Mindfulness was measured using the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM). Results: The results revealed a statistically significant increase in self-reported resilience, with a moderate effect size. The results demonstrated a decrease in self-reported mindfulness. Discussion: Results of this project support use of the MBI Learning to BREATHE as a tool to increase adolescent resilience, and the feasibility of implementation of such programs in the afterschool program setting.

Recommended Citation

Thomas, Katie, "Implementation of a mindfulness intervention to increase adolescent resilience in an after-school program: a quality improvement project." (2023). Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers. Paper 136.
Retrieved from https://ir.library.louisville.edu/dnp/136