ABSTRACT
Growing research supports the positive effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on children and adolescents presenting with a variety of mental health challenges. These benefits need not be confined to those facing severe emotional or behavioural problems; MBIs can also reduce stress, enhance emotional well-being, and improve cognitive, social-emotional, and academic functioning for children without significant mental health problems. In this chapter, we will explore how and why mindfulness, in a variety of settings, is beneficial for children to foster social-emotional skills, self-management of attention, and, perhaps most importantly, cultivate flexibility and resilience. We will look at resilience as a protective factor for many of the mental health challenges children face, and how MBIs help manage symptoms in four common mental health challenges – anxiety, depression, trauma, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. We will review key factors to consider when applying MBIs with children in both clinical and non-clinical settings and provide practical guidelines for tailoring mindfulness activities when working with specific populations.
