| Mindfulness Meditation is an ancient practice that has received increased attention among clinicians and researchers as an effective intervention with adults and more recently with youths. Mindful awareness practices or meditations involve cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of body and mind in the present moment. Findings from recent empirical investigations indicate that Mindfulness Meditation can improve sustained attention, executive function tasks and working memory, all of which are fundamental deficits found in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).;In recent years, numerous studies have examined the effectiveness of Mindfulness practices in reducing stress, anxiety, depression and symptoms of ADHD. However, despite the fact that ADHD is one of the most common disorders diagnosed in children, the research in using this intervention with this population is in its infancy. This intervention may be particularly useful, as 20-30% of children with ADHD do not respond to medication used to treat the disorder. Mindfulness Meditation is a prime intervention to target children with ADHD as this practice develops skills in exerting focused attention while calming the overactivity of the mind and body. Further, Mindfulness practices help combat impulsivity as it emphasizes intentional responsiveness over impulsive reactivity. Recent studies found evidence of Mindful Awareness Practices improving executive function activity, behavioral regulation and focused attention in school-aged children with difficulties in these areas. Although these are preliminary findings, to advance future studies and inform clinical decision making, a synthesis and critique of current empirical findings is needed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of Mindfulness Meditation as a mental health intervention with ADHD in school-aged children.;This dissertation aims to provide a comprehensive review of the literature by analyzing the current state of research on mindfulness-based interventions for youth with ADHD and related difficulties. As this is an emergent field of research, this dissertation seeks to explore clinical implications of this intervention and recommendations for further research. |
