Mindfulness and well-being among children and adolescents

This chapter provides an overview of the role of mindfulness in enhancing the well-being of children and adolescents. It outlines the structure and content of the book “Mindfulness for Child and Adolescent Well-Being: International Perspectives”. The book comprises 14 chapters, which are grouped into seven themes. Theme 1 explores the role of mindfulness in child and adolescent well-being from spiritual, psychological, and educational perspectives. Theme 2 focuses on the impact of mindfulness on cognitive development, academic performance, and school adjustment among children and adolescents. Theme 3 reviews the influence of mindfulness on emotion regulation, mental health, and social functioning in young people. Theme 4 discusses the importance of cultivating mindfulness in children and adolescents with special needs. Theme 5 provides an overview of self-compassion and well-being among young people. Theme 6 examines the benefits of mindfulness in family communication and parenting practice. Theme 7 critically analyses theoretical and methodological issues in mindfulness research and suggests future directions for research on mindfulness and well-being among children and adolescents. To let readers understand each theme, the chapters are summarized and highlighted. Copyright © 2024 selection and editorial matter, Kevin Ka Shing Chan, Elsa Ngar Sze Lau and John Chi-Kin Lee; individual chapters, the contributors.