Mindful awareness and resilience skills for adolescents (MARS-A): A mixed-methods study of a mindfulness-based intervention for a heterogeneous adolescent clinical population

Abstract

Objectives: Mindful Awareness and Resilience Skills for Adolescents (MARS-A) is a mindfulness-based intervention adapted for the adolescent population. While previous studies have explored the benefits of MARS-A in various single-diagnosis populations, the aim of this study was to assess MARS-A for a heterogenous clinical adolescent population with mental health and/or chronic diagnoses, focusing on the underlying suffering present in all these conditions rather than its effects on a single diagnosis itself. Methods: Qualitative data was collected through interviews to understand post-intervention participant perspectives and experiences. Quantitative data was collected through measures to investigate preliminary secondary outcomes. Results: After participating in MARS-A, participants reported qualitative benefits in enhanced well-being, including coping with difficult emotions and managing sleep and/or pain. Quantitative results showed a reduction in functional disability, psychological distress, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms; increase in positive affect; and benefit in coping with pain and chronic conditions. Conclusions: MARS-A shows great potential in a heterogeneous clinical adolescent population.