The Impact of Mindfulness Based Interventions on Adolescent Stress and Focus

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by heightened stress and evolving cognitive capacities, particularly attention and executive function. Mindfulness‑based interventions (MBIs) — structured programs teaching present‑moment awareness and non‑judgmental observation — have been increasingly adopted in educational and clinical settings to address stress and attentional difficulties. This article synthesizes contemporary evidence on the efficacy of MBIs for adolescents, exploring psychological mechanisms, neurocognitive outcomes, and practical implementation strategies. We review randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta‑analyses, and systematic reviews to characterize the effects of MBIs on stress, anxiety, depression, focus, and cognitive performance. We also present quantitative summaries and discuss limitations and future research directions.