Mind magic: a pilot study of preventive mind-body-based stress reduction in behaviorally inhibited and activated children.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this pilot study was to examine a mind-body-based preventive intervention program and to determine relationships between children's behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral activation system, stress, and stress reduction after the program.


METHODS
Children participated in the program (n=30) or in a control condition (n=24). They filled out questionnaires before and after the program and reported their levels of stress before and after each of the five sessions.


METHODS
The program consisted of weekly sessions. Each session incorporated yoga postures, visualization, and social exercises. Breathing techniques were integrated.


RESULTS
Stress reductions were only seen in the intervention group and mainly in children with high BIS--irrespective of their behavioral activation system.


CONCLUSIONS
The results demonstrate that children with high BIS may benefit from a mind-body-based stress reduction program.
Research Institute Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands. f.c.jellesma@uva.nl
Francine C
FC
Jellesma
Janine
J
Cornelis
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001007:Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D008297:Male; D019222:Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical; D026441:Mind-Body Therapies / Q000379:methods*; D009426:Netherlands; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control*