| The current study investigated the effects of a 10-week mindfulness-based intervention on self-reported mindfulness, impulsiveness, perceived stress, and healthy self-regulation in a group of 32 incarcerated youth. Thirty-two participants completed questionnaires pre and post intervention. Additionally, 23 participants were interviewed upon completion of the intervention. A mixed-method triangulation model was used, and quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed separately, but weighted equally. A two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed no significant differences between two 10-week cycles (cycle one: n = 14, cycle two: n = 18) on pretest questionnaire data. Paired t-tests revealed a significant decrease (p < .05) in perceived stress and a significant increase (p < .001) in healthy self-regulation from pre to posttesting. No significant differences were found on self-reported mindfulness and impulsiveness scales. Semi structured interviews conducted immediately following the intervention revealed five major clusters of 19 unique themes. The first was an increase in subjective well-being, which included increases in relaxation, self-esteem, and sleep, and a decrease in stress. The second was an increase in self-regulation, which included an increase in emotional, cognitive, and behavioral regulation. The third was an increase in awareness, which included increases in self-contemplation, emotional, cognitive, physical, and present-moment awareness. The fourth was positive experiences related to the group context, which included expression, other perspective, common experiences, relational development, and new experiences. This fifth was comprised of one major theme: an accepting attitude toward the treatment intervention. Results suggest that mindfulness-based intervention for incarcerated youth may mitigate the numerous psychological stressors associated with incarcerated living. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed. |
