Objectives Early exposure to labor places children at increased risk for psychosocial difficulties, including reduced hope and impaired social functioning. Mindfulness-based approaches, which cultivate attentional control and emotion regulation, may support adaptive functioning in vulnerable populations. This study examined the association between a mindfulness-based intervention and changes in hope and social behavior among Afghan migrant child laborers. Method A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a wait-list control group was employed. Participants were 30 Afghan migrant boys aged 11–13 years enrolled in a charity-based program in Tehran, Iran (2024). Due to practical constraints, participants were allocated to intervention (n = 15) or control (n = 15) groups based on availability. The intervention group attended a 12-week mindfulness program (weekly sessions). Outcomes were assessed using Snyder’s Children’s Hope Scale and the Children’s Social Behavior Scale. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted controlling for baseline scores. Results Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed higher posttest hope, F(1, 27) = 59.24, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.68. Improvements were also observed in pathways thinking, F(1, 27) = 21.74, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.45, and agency thinking, F(1, 27) = 26.39, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.50. For social behavior, the intervention group demonstrated higher prosocial behavior (practical: F(1, 27) = 41.99, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.64; relational: F(1, 27) = 28.18, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.55) and lower antisocial behavior (overt: F(1, 27) = 21.44, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.48; relational: F(1, 27) = 32.26, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.60), as well as lower victimization scores, F(1, 27) = 5.50, p = 0.03, partial η2 = 0.19. Conclusions In this sample of 11–13-year-old Afghan migrant boys in a single NGO program, participation in a mindfulness-based intervention was associated with improvements in hope and social functioning. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the potential value of mindfulness-based approaches in this population. Further research using more rigorous designs is warranted. Preregistration This study is not preregistered.

Mindfulness Matters: A Quasi-experimental Study of Hope and Social Behavior Among Afghan Migrant Child Laborers

期刊论文
发表日期：

2026年5月18日

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Nima Sheydaei-Ashtiani,
Anahita Khodabakhshi-Koolaee

摘要

Objectives

Early exposure to labor places children at increased risk for psychosocial difficulties, including reduced hope and impaired social functioning. Mindfulness-based approaches, which cultivate attentional control and emotion regulation, may support adaptive functioning in vulnerable populations. This study examined the association between a mindfulness-based intervention and changes in hope and social behavior among Afghan migrant child laborers.

Method

A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a wait-list control group was employed. Participants were 30 Afghan migrant boys aged 11–13 years enrolled in a charity-based program in Tehran, Iran (2024). Due to practical constraints, participants were allocated to intervention (n = 15) or control (n = 15) groups based on availability. The intervention group attended a 12-week mindfulness program (weekly sessions). Outcomes were assessed using Snyder’s Children’s Hope Scale and the Children’s Social Behavior Scale. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted controlling for baseline scores.

Results

Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed higher posttest hope, F_{(1, 27)} = 59.24, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.68. Improvements were also observed in pathways thinking, F_{(1, 27)} = 21.74, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.45, and agency thinking, F_{(1, 27)} = 26.39, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.50. For social behavior, the intervention group demonstrated higher prosocial behavior (practical: F_{(1, 27)} = 41.99, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.64; relational: F_{(1, 27)} = 28.18, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.55) and lower antisocial behavior (overt: F_{(1, 27)} = 21.44, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.48; relational: F_{(1, 27)} = 32.26, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.60), as well as lower victimization scores, F_{(1, 27)} = 5.50, p = 0.03, partial η² = 0.19.

Conclusions

In this sample of 11–13-year-old Afghan migrant boys in a single NGO program, participation in a mindfulness-based intervention was associated with improvements in hope and social functioning. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the potential value of mindfulness-based approaches in this population. Further research using more rigorous designs is warranted.

Preregistration

This study is not preregistered.