Effects of a Mindfulness Group on Latino Adolescent Students: Examining Levels of Perceived Stress, Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, and Psychological Symptoms

AbstractThis pilot study evaluated the impact of mindfulness groups on 20 Latino middle school students who participated in 8-session structured groups using the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Teens curriculum. The participants' scores on the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale; the Self-Compassion Scale; the Perceived Stress Scale; and the Depression, Anxiety, and Hostility subscales of the Symptom Check List–90–R were examined at 3 points in time. There were no significant changes during the baseline period. Following participation in the groups, the adolescents' mindfulness and self-compassion scores significantly increased, and their perceived stress and depression significantly decreased.Keywords: adolescentsgroupsLatinomindfulness Additional informationNotes on contributorsMichelle EdwardsMichelle Edwards, Ph.D., is a psychology postdoctoral fellow; Eve M. Adams, Ph.D., is an associate professor; and Michael Waldo, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology at New Mexico State University. O. D. Hadfield, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at New Mexico State University. Gina M. Biegel, M.A., L.M.F.T., is the founder of Stressed Teens in San Jose, CA.Eve M. AdamsMichelle Edwards, Ph.D., is a psychology postdoctoral fellow; Eve M. Adams, Ph.D., is an associate professor; and Michael Waldo, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology at New Mexico State University. O. D. Hadfield, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at New Mexico State University. Gina M. Biegel, M.A., L.M.F.T., is the founder of Stressed Teens in San Jose, CA.Michael WaldoMichelle Edwards, Ph.D., is a psychology postdoctoral fellow; Eve M. Adams, Ph.D., is an associate professor; and Michael Waldo, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology at New Mexico State University. O. D. Hadfield, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at New Mexico State University. Gina M. Biegel, M.A., L.M.F.T., is the founder of Stressed Teens in San Jose, CA.O. D. HadfieldMichelle Edwards, Ph.D., is a psychology postdoctoral fellow; Eve M. Adams, Ph.D., is an associate professor; and Michael Waldo, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology at New Mexico State University. O. D. Hadfield, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at New Mexico State University. Gina M. Biegel, M.A., L.M.F.T., is the founder of Stressed Teens in San Jose, CA.Gina M. BiegelMichelle Edwards, Ph.D., is a psychology postdoctoral fellow; Eve M. Adams, Ph.D., is an associate professor; and Michael Waldo, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology at New Mexico State University. O. D. Hadfield, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at New Mexico State University. Gina M. Biegel, M.A., L.M.F.T., is the founder of Stressed Teens in San Jose, CA.