Background & Aims
Despite the demonstrated effectiveness of mindfulness in adults, in the child and adolescent population there is little clarity in the literature that supports its viability and effectiveness, in addition to inconclusive results. The main objective of this work was to carry out a systematic review on the efficacy of mindfulness as a therapeutic tool in the management of pediatric chronic pain.
Methods
Interventions based on adapted mindfulness protocols and their results in pediatric pain and associated psychological variables were reviewed. The search was performed using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Proquest databases (Medline, APA Psycarticles, Psychology Database, APA Psychoinfo). A total of 900 studies were identified and 7 were selected for this review.
Results
The results indicated that mindfulness was feasible and acceptable, although it showed significant heterogeneity in its effect. Mindfulness interventions show signs of improvement in certain variables such as depression, functional disability, and acceptance of chronic pain in children and adolescents, although they seem less effective than those in adults.
Conclusions
Future research directions could improve the quality of the studies, include parents, encourage training and constant practice of mindfulness to promote better adaptation in childhood and adulthood. However, due to the methodological rigor of the studies, it is essential to interpret the findings with caution and consider the existing limitations.
References
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https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/children4050032
Presenting Author
Gema T. Ruiz-Párraga
Poster Authors
Gema Ruiz-Párraga
PhD
University of Málaga
Lead Author
Cristina JIMENEZ PEDRAZA
University of Málaga
Lead Author
Elena R. Serrano-Ibáñez
Universidad de Málaga
Lead Author
Rosa Esteve. PhD
University of Málaga
Lead Author
Rocío De la Vega
Ph.D.
University of Málaga
Lead Author
Victoria Barrado
Universtiy of Málaga/IBIMA
Lead Author
Adrián Fernández Gónzalez
University of Málaga/IBIMA
Lead Author
Mariano Fernández Baena
Pain Unit of the Civil Hospital of Malaga
Lead Author
Henar González Gómez
Physiotherapy U.G.C. Locomotor. Hospital Marítimo Torremolinos/ Hospital Virgen de la Victoria
Lead Author
Isabel M. Beltrán Vázquez
Physiotherapy U.G.C. Locomotor. Hospital Marítimo Torremolinos/ Hospital Virgen de la Victoria
Lead Author
Alicia Eva López-Martínez
Universidad de Málaga, IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
Lead Author
Topics
- Pain in Special Populations: Infants/Children