The Effectiveness of Child-Centered Mindfulness Training on Social Adjustment and Depression Symptoms in Depressed Children

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of child-centered mindfulness education on social adjustment and depression symptoms in depressed children in Isfahan. The statistical population of this study included all children with depression disorder in Isfahan city during the academic year of 2016-2017 who referred to centers for counseling and psychological services of education system. The research method was semi-experimental with pretest-posttest plan and a control group and a 45-day follow-up. The number of samples in the study were 30 children with depression disorder who were selected by available non-random sampling method, and were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. The experimental group received therapeutic interventions related to mindfulness over a period of two and a half months and as a weekly 60-minute session. However, the control group did not receive any intervention during the study. Then, the individuals of both groups were subjected to post-test. The instruments used included the Social Adjustment Questionnaire and Children's Depression Questionnaire The results of the data analysis indicated that child-centered mindfulness education have had an effect on social adjustment, happiness, anxiety and depression symptoms in depressed children aged 8 to 13 years old, at an error level of 0.05. In this way that child-centered mindfulness education has led to improved social adjustment and reduced depression symptoms of depressed children aged 8 to 13 years.