Mindfulness for children in vulnerable contexts: From practice to appropriation

Abstract

Introduction and purpose of the study: Interventions based on mindfulness propose to children to become aware of their thoughts, emotions and sensations from the perspective of observing and accepting their experience of the present moment. The aim of this interdisciplinary and collaborative research is to analyze a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) intended for children in vulnerable contexts and to study its practices and appropriation by both professionals and children. Method: The first step was to offer a three-day mindfulness training to professionals in a healthcare community center. They were then able to deliver a program called “the Dr Zen Workshops”. Six children participated in 6 weekly sessions. Observations using a logbook were collected. Then, semi-directive research interviews were conducted with the children and their parents, and also with the professionals, in order to record their experiences and to analyze the methods of appropriation of the content. Results: A thematic content analysis was completed and complemented by observations from the logbook. The results illustrate the practice of mindfulness and the modes of appropriation by children and professionals. The results show that, despite institutional and temporal limitations and the children's issues, the professionals took on the content successfully and the children got involved in the program. Discussion and conclusion: In France, only a few mindfulness-based interventions have been implemented for children in vulnerable contexts. This research shows the feasibility and effectiveness of such interventions thanks to close collaboration with involved professionals. Thus, it encourages further research with this specific population.