Mindfulness-Based Substance Abuse Treatment for Incarcerated Youth: A Mixed Method Pilot Study

Authors

Sam Himelstein, Engaging the Moment, LLC

DOI

https://doi.org/10.24972/ijts.2011.30.1-2.1

Abstract

The current study investigated the effects of an 8-week mindfulness-based substance use intervention

on self-reported impulsiveness, perceived drug risk, and healthy self-regulation in a sample of 60

incarcerated youth. Forty-eight participants completed questionnaires pre and post intervention.

Additionally, 16 participants from two of the final 8-week cohorts were interviewed in focus groups

about their experience of the program immediately following its completion. A mixed-method

embedded model was used, in which qualitative data was used in support of quantitative data. Paired

t-tests revealed a significant decrease (p < .01) in impulsiveness and a significant increase (p < .05)

in perceived risk of drug use from pretest to posttest. No significant differences were found on selfreported

self-regulation. Focus group interviews conducted immediately following the intervention

revealed three major themes: receptivity to the program in general, appreciation of the facilitator

teaching style, and learning about drugs. Clinical implications and directions for future research are

discussed.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Himelstein, S. (2011). Himelstein, S. (2011). Mindfulness-based substance abuse treatment for incarcerated youth: A mixed method pilot study. International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 30(1-2), 1–10.. International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 30 (1). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24972/ijts.2011.30.1-2.1