Abstract
Externalizing disorders characterized by behavioral problems manifest in the children's outward behaviors such as poor impulse control, impulsivity, and inattention may result in children negatively acting out on the external environment. When untreated, these problematic behaviors are associated with a wide range of negative outcomes for children and adolescents. In recent years, mindfulness-based interventions have become increasingly popular and have been shown to improve the ability to sustain attention and concentration, decrease impulsivity, help calm down and relax, increase frustration tolerance, and reduce stress; which enables the individual to respond with greater choice and solve problems and daily difficulties with greater skill. This chapter makes use of a narrative review format to describe the intervention procedure, duration, and process of each of the therapies along with existing research evidence in support of these therapies, and concludes with recommendations for further research.
TopMethod
Using a narrative review methodology, this chapter delineates the various intervention methodologies, durations, and procedural aspects within each therapeutic modality. Furthermore, it presents the existing body of research that supports these therapeutic approaches. The chapter also underscores the mechanism through which mindfulness operates and concludes with a concise exploration of the research gaps and limitations in the current body of literature, while also offering recommendations for future research endeavors.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Conduct Disorder: Conduct disorder is a childhood disorder characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others, or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated, as manifested by the presence of aggression to people and animals, and/or destruction of property.
Externalizing Disorders: Disorders of childhood characterized by behavioral problems that are manifested in the adolescent’s outward behavior as they negatively act out on the external environment.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Psychotherapeutic interventions that use mindfulness components to bring about relaxation, stress reduction, and/or cognitive changes to treat a clinical condition.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Oppositional defiant disorder is a childhood disorder characterized by a pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness, exhibited during interaction with at least one individual who is not a sibling, lasting at least six months.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder also known as ADHD is a childhood disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, persisted for at least 6 months, with onset prior to age 12, with several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms present in two or more settings.
Mindfulness: Mindfulness is a form of meditation, where the individual deliberately brings his/her attention to the internal and external experiences occurring in the present moment.
Internalizing Disorders: Disorders of childhood characterized by social withdrawal, anxiety, and depression.