An Evidence Based Review Of The Impact Of Mindfulness Meditation On Mental Health Of Children And Preadolescents

Abstract

The well-being quotient of a child determines the quality of adult life with regard to emotional, social and mental health and professional success. Studies have shown that overall well-being is achieved through enhanced emotional regulation and coping skills. Thus, well-being has been linked to emotional regulation and Mindfulness Meditation has been seen as an effective vehicle for facilitating emotional regulation. Of late mental health has been the key focus area across the globe. There has been a drive to promote well-being of students through management of mental health. Handful of research carried out in this field and has suggested school based mindfulness training to promote well-being. The pre-adolescent age is ideally suited to receive and imbibe mindfulness training for enhancement of overall well-being. However, very limited research in the pre-adolescent age group has been carried out so far. Research based reliable evidence is needed to establish the outcomes of mindfulness meditation training for the pre-adolescents. This article attempts to review the impact of Mindfulness Meditation on children including pre-adolescents and highlight various outcomes. Suggestions for future research in the younger age group are also made so as to help in the development of more effective mindfulness programs in schools.