Temporal dynamics and long-term effects of a mindfulness-based intervention for young adults with adverse childhood experiences.

Summary

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) significantly enhance trait mindfulness and reduce psychological symptoms in young adults with adverse childhood experiences. In a study involving 40 participants aged 21-35, those completing the 8-week MBI showed notable improvements, with reductions in perceived stress and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and hostility persisting for up to 12 months. Specifically, increases in mindfulness scores predicted decreases in somatization and hostility. These findings suggest that at least 8 weeks of MBI, with refreshers at 12 months, may be crucial for long-term benefits.

Abstract

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been shown to be beneficial for young adults with adverse childhood experiences (ACE), but the temporal course of the therapeutic effects is still not well understood. This study aimed to investigate MBI-induced weekly changes and long-term effects in trait mindfulness and psychological symptoms. This study analyzed longitudinal data from a mechanistic clinical trial in which young adults (aged 21-35) with ACE were randomized to an 8-week MBI or an active control condition of Stress Management Education (SME), with 21 and 19 completers respectively. Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Kellner's Symptom Questionnaire (KSQ) were administered before, after, and weekly during the 8-week interventions, and at 6-, 12-, and 18-months follow-up. Data analyses were conducted with linear mixed effects models, Granger causality and Dynamic Structural Equation Modeling (DSEM). Group by time interaction effects were observed with PSS, MAAS, KSQ-depression, KSQ-hostility, and KSQ-anxiety with small effect sizes. Only in the MBI group, increases of MAAS scores predicted reductions of PSS, KSQ-somatization, and KSQ-hostility scores. MAAS score reached significant increase at the end of MBI, and most MBI-induced symptom reduction lasted 12 months without refresher courses. MBI demonstrated unique effects of trait mindfulness improvement leading to psychological symptom reductions. At least 8 weeks of MBI program duration and refreshment at 12 months may be necessary for ACE survivors. This study is not preregistered.

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