Gordon JS, Staples JK, Blyta A, Bytyqi M, Wilson AT.
J Clin Psychiatry. 2008; 69(9):1469-1476
Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Postwar Kosovar Adolescents using Mind-Body Skills Groups: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Randomized controlled study demonstrated 82% reduction in adolescents who qualified as having PTSD. The reduction in PTSD symptoms was maintained at 3 month follow-up. This was the first RCT of any intervention with war-traumatized adolescents. The groups were led by rural high school teachers whose only training in psychology was provided by CMBM.
Staples JK, Abdel Atti JA, Gordon JS.
Int J Stress Manag. 2011; 18(3): 246-262.
Mind-Body Skills Groups for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Symptoms in Palestinian Children and Adolescents in Gaza
Study demonstrated 89% reduction in participants who qualified as having PTSD and significant decreases in depression and hopelessness. Reductions in hopelessness were fully maintained and reductions in PTSD and depression were largely maintained at 7 month follow-up.
Aalsma, MC, Jones LD, Staples, JK, Garabrant JM, Gordon, JS, Richtsmeier Cyr L, Sagado EF Salyers, MP.
Journal of Pediatric Health Care. 2020 (in press).
Mind-Body Skills Groups for Adolescents with Depression in Primary Care: A Pilot Study
In this qualitative study, the peer counselors reported that the mind-body medicine curriculum decreased their stress and helped them regulate their emotions. They also described feeling closer to other students, having improved relationships with their parents, increased resilience and self-confidence, working harder for their goals, not stressing over small things, and choosing supportive friends. They said they would be more patient with other students in their peer counseling work and that the skills would also be helpful for these other students.
Staples JK, Zapata S, Fredrickson M, Quinn HE, Richtsmeier Cyr L, Gavian ME, Rountree LD, Gordon JS. A mind-body medicine curriculum for student peer counselors following a school shooting: A qualitative study. Psychology in the Schools. 2023.
A mind-body medicine curriculum for student peer counselors following a school shooting: A qualitative study
In this qualitative study, the peer counselors reported that the mind-body medicine curriculum decreased their stress and helped them regulate their emotions. They also described feeling closer to other students, having improved relationships with their parents, increased resilience and self-confidence, working harder for their goals, not stressing over small things, and choosing supportive friends. They said they would be more patient with other students in their peer counseling work and that the skills would also be helpful for these other students.
Cunningham, L.D., Salgado, E.F., Aalsma, M.C. et al.
BMC Pediatr 21, 475. 2021.
Do adolescents consider mind-body skills groups an acceptable treatment for depression: results from a pilot study
Our research indicated that the overwhelming majority of adolescents considered Mind-Body Skills Groups to be helpful and acceptable as a treatment option for depression in primary care.
Currently being prepared for publication
Boys School in Gaza
Study demonstrated significantly decreased hyperactivity, physical aggression, and increased prosocial behavior 10 months after the Mind-Body Skills Groups compared to the control group.
Additional Outcomes of CMBM Interventions
Pine Ridge Reservation
Between December 2014 and December 2015, 22 young people living on Pine Ridge Reservation, ages 11-25, took their own lives — 200 more attempted suicide. In the 3 years after CMBM began implementing a Reservation-wide program with all Tribal Schools, there were been 2 youth suicides and trips to the emergency room for suicidal ideation decreased dramatically.
