Mindfulness and Developmental Needs of Children

This chapter reviews earlier literature that acknowledges the significant role of spirituality and meditation in promoting positive well-being and resourcefulness among children and adolescents. The shared elements of spirituality and mindfulness in fostering children’s socioemotional development and mental health outcomes provide a common thread. The subsequent discussion focuses on the aims, core components, and measurements applied in mindfulness-based programs for children and adolescents. An examination of the varying impacts of mindfulness on age and gender is presented. Ultimately, the chapter highlights the implications of these findings for both research and practice in the field.