The Moderating Effect of Socioeconomic Status on the Effectiveness of Mindfulness in Adolescents

Abstract Background Universal mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have the potential to reach every adolescent and support their mental health. However, the effectiveness of MBIs may vary based on background characteristics, such as adolescent's family socioeconomic status (SES). We examined the moderating effect of SES on the effectiveness of a 9-week mindfulness intervention for adolescents. Methods Total of 2436 Finnish adolescents (aged 12-15) were randomized into mindfulness and relaxation groups. SES was assessed using adolescent's and parent's perceptions of the family's financial position, and the highest education of a parent (mother, father and combined). Effectiveness of the intervention was assessed with resilience (The Resilience scale [RS14]), depressive symptoms (The Beck Depression Inventory [RBDI]) and socio-emotional functioning (The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire [SDQ]) at baseline (T0), at 9 weeks (T9) and 26 weeks follow-up (T26) and analyzed with linear mixed models. Results The effectiveness of MBI was not moderated by any SES variables: no significant SES variable × group × time interactions were observed. The moderating effect of adolescent's perceptions of financial position of the family on RS14 (p = 0.48), RBDI (p = 0.85), and SDQ (p = 0.06) was not significant. The moderating effect of parent's perceptions of financial position of the family on RS14 (p = 0.63), RBDI (p = 0.40), and SDQ (p = 0.77) was not significant. The moderating effect of mother's highest education on RS14 (p = 0.68), RBDI (p = 0.92), and SDQ (p = 0.60) was not significant. The moderating effect of father's highest education on RS14 (p = 0.14), RBDI (p = 0.21), and SDQ (p = 0.56) was not significant. The moderating effect of parents combined highest education on RS14 (p = 0.51), RBDI (p = 0.77), and SDQ (p = 0.82) was not significant. Conclusions The findings suggest that SES does not moderate the outcomes of MBIs at least in a society with comparatively small income disparities (such as Finland). Key messages • It is important to further examine the moderating effect of SES on the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions for adolescents, particularly in countries with greater socioeconomic disparities. • Further research is needed to examine other potential moderating factors to understand better what influences the effectiveness of MBIs.