Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Depression Symptoms in Children with Divorced Parents

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Abstract

Introduction: Present study examines the hypotheses that children of divorce who participate in MBCT-C would show greater reductions in depression symptoms.
Method: Participants are boys and girls aged 10-13 (N=30). All participants were randomly assigned into two groups: a waiting list control group (N=16) and an experimental group (N=14). Measures include child depression inventory (CDI Kovacs, 1977), and child acceptance mindfulness measure (CAMM, Greco & et al, 2005). The course of MBCT-C, participants completed these questionnaires in the pre-test, post-test, and six month follow-up stages.
Results: After participating in a twelve week intervention of MBCT-C, participants were found to exhibit significantly fewer depression symptoms (interpersonal problems, negative mood, and negative self-esteem). Also participants who completed the program showed significant enhancement in acceptance and mindfulness.
Conclusion: The results showed that the manual of mindfulness based cognitive therapy for children can decrease depression symptoms in children with divorced parents.

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