Evaluation of Effects of the Mindfulness Program .b for Youth: Subjective Measures and Biomarkers

A mindfulness program called .b (pronounced dot-be), which was developed in the UK for 11- to 18-year olds, was implemented at a private high school in Japan in order to evaluate whether participation in .b would decrease the psychological problems and promote the mental health of high school students. The participants were 22 Japanese male high school students (11th grade) who were members of an athletic club at the high school. The mindfulness program was presented over a 10-week period, during times of regular club activities. Effects of the intervention were evaluated based on data from questionnaires on subjective mental health, well being, action problems, and mood; biomarkers of chronic stress (HCC) and anti-stress (DHEA) in the boys' hair; and subjective impressions based on structured interviews with the participants and the club's adviser. The data were obtained before and after the intervention and 2 months later. However, because of restrictions due to COVID-19, it was not possible to obtain the follow-up biomarker data. The amount of cortisol, a stress hormone, did not change, but increases were found in DHEA and DHEA/cortisol, which is considered to be an index of resilience. Although the mindfulness intervention was not followed by a decrease in the experience of stress, it is possible that the youth's medium- to long-term resilience, which promotes recovery from stress, may have been enhanced. Analysis of the questionnaire and interview data suggested that depression and action problems had decreased and well-being improved after implementation of the program. These effects were seen also in the 2-month follow-up measures. In addition, 19 of the participants (86%) rated the program positively. For example, the participants indicated that mindfulness had been helpful in their studies, in improving performance, and in their interpersonal relationships. The participants viewed mindfulness as a problem-solving skill, a means of self-understanding, and a future resource. The results of the program with respect to both the subjective and biometric indices suggest that the program may have an impact on Japanese adolescents and possibly become a life-long mental health asset for them.