The Effect of Mindfulness-based Group Therapy on Aggression and Resilience of Suburban Children in Mashhad

Abstract

Introduction: Given the effect of low socio-economic status of marginalized residents on children's behavioral and emotional problems, it is important to take measures to strengthen resilience and reduce aggression in children. This paper aims to determine the effect of mindfulness-based group therapy on resilience and aggression of children in the suburbs of Mashhad. Method: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 60 elementary school students aged 8-12 years referred to the social worker and psychology clinic in Sayyedi district of Mashhad in 2019-2020. They were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. The intervention group received mindfulness-based group therapy using Kabat-Zinn's (2003) approach over 8 sessions of 90 min while the control group was placed on a waiting list. Data collection tools included the Social-Emotional Assets and Resilience Scale (SEARS) as well as the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire (AGQ). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 22 software and MANCOVA test.  Results: The results showed that mindfulness-based group therapy could significantly improve resilience and reduce aggression in the intervention group compared to the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Mindfulness-based group therapy can be effective in mitigating aggression and enhancing resilience of children in the suburbs of Mashhad.