Effects of Kindness- and Compassion-Based Meditation on Wellbeing, Prosociality, and Cognitive Functioning in Children and Adolescents: a Systematic Review

Abstract Objectives Interventions involving kindness- and compassion-based meditation (KCBM) have been shown to various benefits for adults, there is growing interest in using KCBMs with children. This systematic review explores the effects of KCBM on wellbeing, prosociality, cognitive functioning children adolescents. Methods Studies were eligible if they examined interventions that contained a proportion above set threshold, included child participants only, used any or no control group, at least one outcome measure related functioning. assessed quality Quality Assessment Tool Quantitative Studies, findings synthesised narratively. Results A literature search 11 databases up February 2020 identified 3,073 papers. Ten studies inclusion review, including 807 There was evidence improvements wellbeing 47% measures (including stress, anxiety, depression, negative affect, markers inflammation, mindfulness, self-compassion). Prosociality (visual perception motor accuracy) 1 study each, both outcomes. Effect sizes ranged from small large. some more effective younger, non-clinical populations where intervention teachers experienced. Study generally weak. Conclusions strong base positive However, are encouraging given early stage development field, further research warranted. Recommendations future include robust methodological design, improved reporting, focus developmental mechanisms change. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO CRD42014013065.