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Testing the Feasibility and Potential Impact of a Mindfulness-Based Pilot Program in Urban School Youth

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Listed:
  • Sabrina Krebs

    (Nutrition Program, Hunter College, City University of New York, 2180 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10035, USA)

  • Emily Moak

    (School of Public Health, City University of New York, 2180 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10035, USA)

  • Shakiba Muhammadi

    (School of Public Health, City University of New York, 2180 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10035, USA)

  • David Forbes

    (Urban Education Doctoral Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA)

  • Ming-Chin Yeh

    (Nutrition Program, Hunter College, City University of New York, 2180 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10035, USA)

  • May May Leung

    (Nutrition Program, Hunter College, City University of New York, 2180 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10035, USA)

Abstract

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) could be effective in engaging children and reducing childhood obesity risk. The purpose of this study was to test feasibility, fidelity, and potential impact of a pilot MBI in urban school youth. A two-group quasi-experimental study was conducted in a Harlem, New York school. Participants comprised 51 students (ages 9–12, 54% female, 85% African American/Black). The experimental (E) group ( n = 26) participated in a nine-session pilot MBI. Sessions were 90 min and offered weekly as part of afterschool programming. Children only attending during the school day comprised the control (C) group ( n = 25). Process evaluation (e.g., fidelity, reach) was performed. Interviews with the E group were conducted to determine program acceptability. Mindful eating and resilience measures were collected at baseline and post-intervention. Intervention feasibility was high as the retention rate was 100% and fidelity was good as nine out of ten sessions were implemented. Relative to baseline, significant improvements were observed in the C group compared to the E group in the resilience composite score ( p = 0.01) and its confidence domain ( p = 0.01). A MBI may provide a unique opportunity to engage youth. However, further research is warranted to determine if a MBI could promote health in urban, school-age children.

Suggested Citation

  • Sabrina Krebs & Emily Moak & Shakiba Muhammadi & David Forbes & Ming-Chin Yeh & May May Leung, 2022. "Testing the Feasibility and Potential Impact of a Mindfulness-Based Pilot Program in Urban School Youth," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-12, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:6:p:3464-:d:771490
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Adam I. Biener & John Cawley & Chad Meyerhoefer, 2020. "The medical care costs of obesity and severe obesity in youth: An instrumental variables approach," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 29(5), pages 624-639, May.
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