Kuru, NilueferUngar, MichaelAkman, Berrin2024-12-242024-12-2420241062-10241573-2843https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-024-02924-whttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12604/6058Evidence-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.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessrefugee childrensocial-emotional skillsresiliencemindfulnessrandomized controlled trialArticle331135163528N/AWOS:001338056200002Q22-s2.0-8520701828710.1007/s10826-024-02924-w