Teenagers often face a whirlwind of intense emotions that can be hard to navigate. For those struggling with emotional dysregulation, finding the right tools is vital. A review of 11 trials involving over 1,200 teens shows that mindfulness-based interventions provide meaningful support for managing these feelings.
The data shows that these programs significantly improved how teens regulate their emotions compared to standard controls. Specifically, the study found consistent reductions in both anxiety and depressive symptoms. It also helped lower overall internal distress, making it a promising approach for kids who feel overwhelmed by their emotions.
While the results are encouraging, some parts of the data are still early. For example, comparing mindfulness to other active treatments was based on only three studies, so we need more research to see exactly how it stacks up against other specific therapies. However, the consistent improvements in anxiety and mood suggest it is a helpful tool for both clinical and school settings.
