A 12-week 'Focused and Mindful' mindfulness program was tested in 150 preschoolers (ages 3–6) chronically exposed to cross-border missile attacks near the Gaza border (study period 2016–2018). The quasi-experimental design compared 94 children in the intervention group to 56 in an active control group, using parent and teacher reports of PTSD symptoms, attention, behavior, and social competence.
The control group showed significant worsening in attention problems (DuPaul ADHD-RS), behavioral difficulties (SDQ), teacher-rated social competence, and PTSD symptoms (parent and teacher reports) over 12 weeks, while the experimental group remained stable and improved in teacher-rated prosocial behavior. Mediation analysis found that reduced attention difficulties partially explained lower parent-reported PTSD symptoms (β = 0.24, p = 0.02; R² = 0.104).
- Non-randomized (quasi-experimental) preschool assignment risks selection bias and limits causal inference. - Reliance solely on subjective parent and teacher reports without objective or physiological measures. - Intervention components (child sessions, teacher training, parent home activities) cannot be disentangled to identify active ingredients.
A structured, developmentally tailored mindfulness program delivered in preschool settings may protect young children in conflict zones from worsening PTSD and behavioral symptoms, even if it does not produce broad new gains. Clinicians and early childhood educators in high-stress communities should consider integrating brief mindfulness practices into daily routines as a low-burden preventive strategy.
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