Social-Emotional Outcomes in Refugee Children: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a School-Based Mindfulness Intervention Implemented in a Refugee Camp

Kuru N., Ungar M., AKMAN B.

JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES, no.11, pp.3516-3528, 2024 (SSCI) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s10826-024-02924-w
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, ASSIA, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, Criminal Justice Abstracts, EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, Social services abstracts, Sociological abstracts, Violence & Abuse Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.3516-3528
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Evidence-based early intervention programs for children at risk of developing psychological problems after exposure to armed conflict have been recommended as a major component in the treatment of psychosocial problems. This study examines the efficacy of a pilot school-based mindfulness intervention (SMI) and its impact on the social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes of war-affected refugee preschool children living in a refugee camp in T & uuml;rkiye. A single-blind randomized controlled trial with pre-test and post-test design was employed. A total of 76 participants (born in 2013) were randomized by the school into the 6-week intervention (n = 38) or the control group (n = 38). Measures included the State Self-Esteem Scale, Early Childhood Social Skill Measure, and the Child and Youth Resilience Measure-Revised. GLM repeated-measures ANOVA (p < 0,05) analysis showed positive effects of SMI on social skills (F = 126.06, p < 0.05, eta 2 = 0.63), self-esteem (F = 72.08, p < 0.05, eta 2 = 0.49) and resilience (F = 4.33, p < 0.05, eta 2 = 0.05) over time for the intervention group as compared to controls. Significant reductions in social and emotional problems were found for children who reported high levels of introversion in the pre-test. Pilot study results support SMI as a promising intervention for psychosocial problems that can reduce stress and anxiety symptoms among children exposed to armed conflict and forced migration.