Advances in Treatment: Examining the Effectiveness of a Behavioral Intervention.

The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence a mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) intervention will have on internalizing and externalizing problems in children and adolescents that have suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). MBCT is a manualized intervention developed to increase social-emotional resiliency through mindful attention. Internalizing problems refer to a set of symptoms in which a person over-controls their emotions and results in social withdrawal, feelings of worthlessness, depression, and anxiety (Bloom et al., 2001). In contrast, externalizing problems refer to an under-control of emotions which results in conduct problems, impulsive behavior, and aggression. Social and emotional difficulties are prominent consequences of childhood TBI. Left untreated or undertreated, these problems often persist into adulthood, producing a wide range of challenges adapting in personal and vocational domains. At present, there are minimal non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches that effectively treat psychosocial deficits unique to TBI. Developing innovative, evidence based methods is essential in helping children recover from the injury.