Mindfulness and self-compassion to improve mental health and well-being for young people (16-25)

What this research looked at

Young people with Crohn’s or Colitis can find it hard moving from adolescence to adulthood. This is already a demanding time when they are also learning to cope with a long-term health condition. It can mean young people are more vulnerable to mental health problems, particularly at times of additional stress such as exams, relationships or leaving home.    

Mindfulness has been shown to improve well-being, quality of life and symptoms such as pain, fatigue and disturbed sleep in other health conditions. This study explored whether a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme can improve the mental health, well-being and quality of life of young people with Crohn’s or Colitis.  

This study recruited young people (aged 16-25) in four groups to attend a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course over eight weeks. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the courses were held online rather than in person. The people who took part were then offered a Mindfulness Based Compassionate Living (MBCL) course over a further eight weeks. This aimed to help them become kinder to themselves and less self-critical. 

Mood, quality of life, sleep, pain, fatigue and coping of the young people before and after the programmes were assessed. The young people were also invited to talk to the researchers about their experience of taking part in the mindfulness courses. 

What the researchers found

The participants completed surveys before and after they had completed the programmes. The researchers found that participants who completed both the MBSR and MBCL programmes reported improvements in stress, anxiety, depression and IBD-related quality of life. They also reported higher levels of self-compassion, mindfulness and confidence. There were no significant differences reported on sleep. coping and fatigue. Overall, the researchers felt that the programmes were beneficial to the participants. 

What the researchers think this could mean for young people with Crohn’s and Colitis

This was a study with a small number of participants to test the feasibility and effectiveness of the mindfulness programmes. To confirm the findings, a larger study is needed. If successful, the programmes could be offered more widely though the NHS or other organisations.  

Who lead this research: Dr Georgina Rowse, University of Sheffield  
Our funding: £117,942 
Duration: 36 months 
Official title of application: A pilot and feasibility controlled trial of a group mindfulness and self-compassion intervention for young people diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease