Participatory Pilot of an Art-Based Mindfulness Intervention for Adolescent Girls With Headache

A participatory pilot study researched mindfulness sessions informed by art therapy for adolescent girls suffering from headaches. Researchers worked closely with 8 participants to customize and implement an appropriate mindfulness-based art intervention. Program evaluation included both quantitative and qualitative outcomes, including pre- and postintervention artwork. The adolescents were engaged in the sessions and they embraced the idea of an art-based, mindfulness approach to help with their headaches. The findings supported a strong, positive impact of the intervention on both reducing stress and headaches. This mixed-method pilot study provides preliminary support for the value of mindfulness interventions based on art therapy principles and practices to reduce stress and headaches in adolescent girls.