The Early Minds Mindfulness Study: The feasibility and acceptability of a preschool mindfulness program within an early childhood setting

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Social Emotional Wellbeing; Mental Health - Studies of normal psychology, cognitive function and behaviour

• Registration Number: ACTRN12618000435280
• Lead Sponsor: Murdoch Children's Research Institute

Brief Summary

This pilot explored educator- and parent-reported feasibility of the Early Minds program, by Smiling Mind. Seven of eight domains of a well-known framework were employed: demand, acceptability, implementation, practicality, adaptation, integration and limited efficacy testing (child internalising, externalising, prosocial behaviours and executive function). Background: The program is an app-based, educator-delivered mindfulness-informed program, designed for the early education setting. Design: Cluster randomised controlled trial. Data collection: baseline, three- and 12-month, post-randomisation. Participants: Twenty-five educators, from 10 Early Learning Centre (ELC) rooms, at six ELCs took part, along with 188 children and their parents. ELC rooms were randomly allocated into program or usual care, groups. Mean age of children: program (4.1 years, SD= 0.6; 51.4% male), usual care (4.5 years, SD= 0.7; 53.2% male). Results: The program did not meet feasibility on four of the seven educator-reported domains (implementation, practicality, adaptation, and limited efficacy testing), and showed mixed results for two domains (acceptability and integration). Parent-reported feasibility has not been established. Conclusion: The Early Minds program requires modification to address the limitations raised by educators, including more detailed training, support to progress through the program and improving child suitability and engagement. Re-assessment of feasibility is then required.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Results First Posted: 1900-01-01
• Study Start: 2018-03-26
• Study Completion: 2019-10-03
• Last Update Posted: 28 March 2022

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 187

Inclusion Criteria

Early Childhood Educators – working within the 3-year old- and/or 4-year old rooms at Early Learning Centres (ELCs) recruited by Smiling Mind to participate in the trial

Children and caregivers of children - enrolled and attending the ELC rooms lead by educators talking part in the study at the time of the baseline measures

Exclusion Criteria

English language skills that precludes the ability to provide informed consent

Inability to complete the study surveys, written at a grade 6 reading level (the option of completion with a member of the researcher team will be offered)

Study & Design

• Study Type: Interventional
• Study Design: Not specified