Designing and evaluating a mindfulness-based intervention for adolescent anxiety management

Thesis Abstract

Adolescent anxiety represents a growing mental health concern worldwide, significantly affecting academic performance, social functioning, and overall well-being, yet limited evidence exists regarding accessible and effective intervention strategies tailored for this population. This study aims to design, implement, and evaluate a culturally adapted mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) specifically aimed at reducing anxiety symptoms among adolescents aged 13 to 18 years. The primary objectives include assessing the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, evaluating its effectiveness through quantitative measures, and exploring adolescents' subjective experiences to inform future program development. The study adopts a mixed-methods, quasi-experimental design. The quantitative component involves a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a sample of 120 adolescents recruited from two secondary schools in an urban setting. Participants are randomly assigned to either the intervention group, receiving an 8-week structured mindfulness program, or a control group engaging in regular health education sessions. The qualitative component involves semi-structured interviews with a purposive subsample of 20 adolescents from the intervention group to gain in-depth insights into their lived experiences and perceived benefits. Data collection instruments include the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale to measure anxiety severity at baseline, post-intervention, and a three-month follow-up, alongside a feasibility and acceptability questionnaire developed for the study. For the qualitative data, thematic analysis is employed to identify core themes emerging from interview transcripts. Quantitative data will be analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA to evaluate changes over time within and between groups, alongside regression analysis to control for potential confounders such as age, gender, and baseline anxiety levels. Effect sizes will be computed to determine the clinical significance of observed changes. Thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke’s approach, will interpret qualitative interview data to elucidate adolescents' perspectives on the intervention’s impact and feasibility. The study hypothesizes that participants in the mindfulness-based intervention will exhibit significant reductions in anxiety scores compared to the control group, with findings maintained at follow-up, and that the program will demonstrate high acceptability and feasibility among adolescents. Expected findings include statistically significant decreases in anxiety symptoms, improvement in emotional regulation, and positive qualitative reports confirming the intervention’s relevance, usability, and perceived benefits. These outcomes will contribute to a better understanding of the potential for mindfulness practices to serve as effective, developmentally appropriate strategies for adolescent anxiety management. The study will also offer insights into implementation challenges and facilitators, enhancing the practical applicability of MBIs within school settings. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting mindfulness as a scalable mental health intervention for youth. It extends existing literature by incorporating a culturally sensitive approach and combining quantitative efficacy assessment with qualitative insights on adolescent engagement and perception. The findings will inform educators, clinicians, and policymakers about the viability of integrating mindfulness programs into adolescent mental health services. Based on the results, recommendations will include strategies for sustainable program implementation, potential modifications for different cultural contexts, and avenues for future research to explore long-term impacts and digital adaptations. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the importance of proactive, accessible mental health interventions for adolescents and advocates for broader adoption of mindfulness-based approaches to mitigate anxiety and promote resilience in this vulnerable population.