Conference Abstracts

Guided meditations in the treatment of trauma-related sleep disorders in adjudicated adolescents in New Mexico

Authors:

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of providing guided meditations to reduce insomnia and other sleep disorders in a juvenile justice-involved population.  Studies have shown that early childhood trauma, identified as Adverse Childhood Experiences, has a detrimental effect on the overall emotional and physical well-being of the trauma sufferer, often resulting in sleep disruption.  Consequently, adolescents develop ineffective behaviors such as aggression, violence, social functioning deficits, and self-harm, often requiring directed means of moderating and resolving those behaviors.  Research supports the use of evidence-based mindfulness modalities in the treatment of adolescent sleep disorders).  The use of guided meditations was implemented at a New Mexico juvenile justice facility, with a population of incarcerated youth ranging in age from 15 to 20 years old.  Guided meditations were broadcast over an FM frequency during sleeping hours over a four-week period, with pre- and post-intervention assessments using the Insomnia Severity Index and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.  Data analysis of the pre-and post-assessment scores of the study population (n=27) showed a strong relationship to the use of guided meditations in the decrease of insomnia symptoms and an increase in the quality of sleep.  Paired sample t-tests for both the ISI and PSQI showed statistical significance within this study.  Of the starting population (n=42), approximately 69% of the study group meet the criteria for inclusion in the final data analysis.

Keywords:

insomniasleepadolescentyouthjuvenile justiceincarceratedtrauma
  • Volume: 19
  • Page/Article: 199
  • DOI: 10.5334/ijic.s3199
  • Published on 8 Aug 2019