The Effectiveness of Game-Based Meditation Therapy for Adolescents with Posttraumatic Symptoms in Residential Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Many adolescents in residential care have experienced traumatic events and suffer from posttraumatic stress. This study examined the effectiveness of Muse, a game-based meditation intervention played with guidance, as an addition to treatment as usual (TAU) for adolescents with posttraumatic symptoms in residential care. Seventy-seven adolescents with posttraumatic symptoms (10–18 years old) received either Muse and TAU (n = 37) or treatment as usual (n = 40). TAU consisted of evidence-based treatments that did not specifically target posttraumatic symptoms. Outcomes were measured at T1, T2, and two-months follow-up (FU). Primary outcomes were posttraumatic symptoms (self-report and mentor-report) and stress (self-report) at T2. The Muse group showed significantly greater improvements than the control group at T2 regarding self-reported posttraumatic symptoms, stress, anxiety, depression, and aggression. Mentor reports showed marginally significant decreases in posttraumatic stress at T2. There were no differences between the groups at FU, except for a marginally significant difference in self-reported posttraumatic symptoms, where the Muse participants showed larger decreases. This study showed that game-based meditation therapy is a promising intervention that is more effective than TAU alone. Yet, further studies on its immediate and long-term effects, and mechanisms of change are warranted. Implications are discussed.