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Fahimi M, Alavi K, Salimi F. (2026). The Effect of a Sports-Integrated Mindfulness Program on Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Later Elementary School Girls: A Quasi-Experimental Study. Journal of Childhood Health and Education. 6(4), doi:10.32598/JECHE.6.4.413.1
URL: http://jeche.ir/article-1-370-en.html
URL: http://jeche.ir/article-1-370-en.html
1- Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Letters and Humanities, University of Qom. Qom, Iran
2- Department of Sport Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Shahab Danesh, Qom, Iran
2- Department of Sport Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Shahab Danesh, Qom, Iran
Abstract: (49 Views)
Background and Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a combined sports mindfulness program on reducing stress and cognitive and somatic anxiety among female elementary school students. Given growing concerns about children's mental health and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying effective interventions in this field is particularly crucial.
Research Methods: The present quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest design with a control group. A sample of 60 female students was randomly assigned to either an experimental group that participated in the 8-week sports mindfulness program or a control group that followed the regular school curriculum. Standardized questionnaires measuring children's stress and cognitive/somatic anxiety were administered. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and logistic regression.
Results: Results demonstrated that compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significant reductions in stress (32.09%), cognitive anxiety (22.93%), and somatic anxiety (28.13%) scores. MANOVA revealed a significant overall effect for the intervention (Wilks' Lambda=0.68, p<0.01), with a combined effect size of 0.42 indicating substantial clinical impact. Logistic regression analysis identified prior sports activity as a significant predictor of intervention response (OR=1.45).
Conclusions: The findings support the effectiveness of combined sports mindfulness programs in reducing stress and anxiety among female elementary students. These results provide a scientific basis for developing school-based mental health promotion programs. Future studies with longer follow-up periods and larger samples are recommended.
Research Methods: The present quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest design with a control group. A sample of 60 female students was randomly assigned to either an experimental group that participated in the 8-week sports mindfulness program or a control group that followed the regular school curriculum. Standardized questionnaires measuring children's stress and cognitive/somatic anxiety were administered. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and logistic regression.
Results: Results demonstrated that compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significant reductions in stress (32.09%), cognitive anxiety (22.93%), and somatic anxiety (28.13%) scores. MANOVA revealed a significant overall effect for the intervention (Wilks' Lambda=0.68, p<0.01), with a combined effect size of 0.42 indicating substantial clinical impact. Logistic regression analysis identified prior sports activity as a significant predictor of intervention response (OR=1.45).
Conclusions: The findings support the effectiveness of combined sports mindfulness programs in reducing stress and anxiety among female elementary students. These results provide a scientific basis for developing school-based mental health promotion programs. Future studies with longer follow-up periods and larger samples are recommended.
Keywords: Cognitive Anxiety, Childhood Stress, Elementary Student, Somatic Anxiety, Sports Mindfulness
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
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Received: 2025/09/17 | Accepted: 2026/01/3 | Published: 2026/01/3
Received: 2025/09/17 | Accepted: 2026/01/3 | Published: 2026/01/3
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