Mindfulness Intervention for Maltreatment-Related Cognitive Decline

Verification of the Effects of a Mindfulness-based Online Training Program for Recovering From Cognitive Decline Related to Maltreatment Experiences

The goal of this clinical trial is to examine whether an online mindfulness-based training program can help improve cognitive function including attention, emotional regulation, and mental health (such as depression and anxiety) in young adults (ages 19 to 40) who have experienced maltreatment. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Can a 4-week online mindfulness program improve cognitive function including attention in adults with a history of maltreatment?
• Does the program reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to a control group?

Researchers will compare a mindfulness training group with a waiting-list control group to see if the intervention leads to improvements in psychological and cognitive functioning.

Participants will:

• Complete psychological and cognitive assessments before and after the 4-week period
• Watch weekly online educational and mindfulness practice videos (e.g., breathing, body scan, walking meditation)
• Perform weekly mindfulness-based assignments through a study website
• Engage in optional interaction via a chat channel

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 19 to 40 years

• Individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment, defined as meeting at least one of the following on the Early Trauma Inventory-Short Form (ETISR-SF)

  • At least one subscale (general trauma, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse) exceeding established cut-off scores (Plaza et al., 2011)
  • A Global score ≥ 4 on ETISR-SF

• No current or past history of major internal medical or psychiatric disorders

• Willing and able to provide written informed consent

• Able to access and use an online platform (computer or mobile device)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Intellectual disability, defined as IQ ≤ 70
• History of traumatic brain injury
• Ongoing or past (≥6 months) psychiatric treatment for a diagnosed mental disorder
• Presence of severe psychiatric symptoms impairing reality testing or basic daily functioning (Note: Individuals with mild to moderate depressive symptoms based on screening are not excluded)