A novel approach to improve stress regulation among traumatized youth in residential care: Feasibility study testing three game‐based meditation interventions

Abstract

AimMany youth in residential care suffer from post‐traumatic symptoms that have adverse effects on a range of psychological, behavioural and physiological outcomes. Although current evidence‐based treatment options are effective, they have their limitations. Meditation interventions are an alternative to traditional trauma‐focused treatment. This pilot study aimed to evaluate three game‐based meditation interventions in a sample of traumatized youth in residential care.MethodsFifteen participants were randomly divided over three conditions (Muse, DayDream and Wild Divine) that all consisted of twelve 15‐minute game‐play sessions. Physiological measurements (heart rate variability) were conducted at baseline, post‐treatment and during each intervention session. Post‐traumatic symptoms, stress, depression, anxiety and aggression were assessed at baseline, post‐treatment and 1‐month follow‐up.ResultsPhysiological stress regulation was improved during the meditation sessions of all three interventions. User evaluations were in particular high for Muse with a rating of 8.42 out of 10 for game evaluation. Overall, outcomes on psychopathology demonstrated the most robust effect on stress. Muse performed best, with all participants showing reliable improvements (reliable change indexes [RCIs]) in post‐traumatic symptoms, stress and anxiety. Participants who played Daydream or Wild Divine showed inconsistent progression: some participants improved, whereas others remained stable or even deteriorated based on their RCIs.ConclusionsPreliminary findings show promising outcomes on physiology, psychopathology and user evaluations. All indicate the potential of this innovative form of stress regulation intervention, and the potential of Muse in particular, although findings should be considered preliminary due to our small sample size. Further studies are warranted to assess intervention effectiveness effects of Muse or other game‐based meditation interventions for traumatized youth.

Validity of the Empatica E4 Wristband to Measure Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Parameters: a Comparison to Electrocardiography (ECG)

“…Data for this study were obtained from a feasibility study testing three game-based meditation interventions among adolescents in residential care [24]. This study yielded data of fifteen participants who wore two recording devices during two experimental testing sessions and twelve intervention sessions.…”

Effectiveness of game-based meditation therapy on neurobiological stress systems in adolescents with posttraumatic symptoms: a randomized controlled trial

“…Specifically, interventions with a sensorybased approach that focus on bodily sensations and relaxation, such as meditation, have the potential for physiological impact. Indeed, among adolescents with posttraumatic symptoms in residential care, meditation-based therapy has been found to reduce posttraumatic stress (Schuurmans et al, 2021b), increase attachment and self-regulation (Spinazzola et al, 2011), and result in real-time improvements in SNS and PNS activity (Schuurmans et al, 2020a). These studies show the potential for meditation-based interventions to improve neurobiological alterations after trauma.…”

“…A novel approach that is assumed to address both physiological under-and over-regulation are meditation-based interventions, that are targeted at the baseline capacity to regulate one's emotions and physiological responses (Schuurmans et al, 2020a;2021b;Spinazzola et al, 2011). A growing number of studies support the shift from mainly cognitive-oriented and verbally dependent therapies to interventions that target physiological sensations and stress regulation abilities (Gapen et al, 2016;Van Der Kolk et al, 2016;Warner et al, 2013).…”

Game-Based Meditation Therapy to Improve Posttraumatic Stress and Neurobiological Stress Systems in Traumatized Adolescents: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…To achieve a statistical power of at least .80, a sample size of 72 participants was required. We aim to include 80 participants in total to allow for 10% attrition, which was estimated from previous studies [ 44 , 45 , 47 ] on game-based interventions in this population.…”

“…Recently, the authors conducted a feasibility study [ 47 ] that evaluated 3 game-based meditation interventions in traumatized adolescents in residential care. The interventions incorporated either bio- or neurofeedback and were assessed on their potential to improve physiological stress regulation, user satisfaction, and preliminary effectiveness on posttraumatic symptoms, stress, depression, and aggression.…”