The Effects of Family-Based Mindfulness Intervention on ADHD Symptomology in Young Children and Their Parents: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> The aim of the study is to investigate the feasibility of a family-based mindfulness intervention in improving children with inattention and hyperactivity symptoms. <b>Method:</b> A total of 100 children aged 5 to 7 years with ADHD symptoms and their parents were randomly assigned to a family-based mindfulness intervention (<i>n</i> = 50) or a wait-list control group (<i>n</i> = 50). <b>Results:</b> Families from intervention group had greater improvements in children's ADHD symptoms, with medium effect sizes of -0.60 for inattention and -0.59 for hyperactivity; overall behaviors; and parenting stress and well-being than those in wait-list control group. <b>Conclusion:</b> The positive results on the child primary outcome measures have provided initial evidence of the family-based mindfulness intervention as a treatment option to ADHD. The reduction of parental stress and increase in psychological well-being has demonstrated the value of mindfulness in enhancing parent's self-management.