Mindfulness is an ancient practice that has been around for centuries and is now being used more widely in modern times to help people cope with stress and anxiety. Mindfulness meditation can be defined as "the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally to the unfolding of experience." It involves focusing one's awareness on the present moment without judgment, accepting one's thoughts and feelings, and allowing them to pass without engaging in negative self-talk or rumination. Self-compassion is another concept that involves treating oneself with kindness and understanding when facing difficult emotions. Research suggests that both mindfulness and self-compassion can improve psychological adjustment in marginalized youth. In addition to these practices, other reflective practices such as gratitude journaling and positive affirmations can also have benefits.
Marginalized youth are often faced with challenges due to systemic oppression and discrimination, which can lead to mental health issues. Marginalized youth may face racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, classism, and other forms of oppression that impact their daily lives. This can result in high levels of stress and anxiety, leading to depression, substance abuse, and other harmful behaviors. Mindfulness and self-compassion can provide a way for marginalized youth to cope with these stressors by helping them accept their experiences and practice self-care.
Studies have found that practicing mindfulness can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety among young people who identify as LGBTQ+. One study found that participants who engaged in mindfulness meditation reported lower levels of depressive symptoms than those who did not. Another study found that self-compassion was associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety among racial/ethnic minority groups. Reflective practices such as gratitude journaling and positive affirmations have also been shown to be effective in improving mental health outcomes for marginalized youth.
One study found that adolescents who kept gratitude journals had higher levels of life satisfaction and lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to those who didn't.
In addition to the potential benefits of mindfulness and self-compassion, reflective practices like gratitude journaling and positive affirmations can also improve psychological adjustment for marginalized youth. Gratitude journaling involves writing down things you are grateful for on a regular basis, while positive affirmations involve repeating positive statements about oneself. These practices can increase feelings of positivity and optimism, which can buffer against negative effects of discrimination and oppression.
Research suggests that mindfulness, self-compassion, and other reflective practices can be helpful for improving psychological adjustment in marginalized youth. By engaging in these practices, marginalized youth may feel more empowered to cope with stressors and develop resilience.
Can mindfulness, self-compassion, and other reflective practices improve psychological adjustment in marginalized youth?
The research on the topic is still inconclusive, but there are indications that mindfulness, self-compassion, and other reflective practices may have positive effects on the psychological wellbeing of marginalized youth. A recent meta-analysis found that mindfulness interventions can be effective for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression among adolescents from low socioeconomic backgrounds (Shapiro et al.