Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Mandala Colouring on Stress and Concentration Among School-Going Children: A Pre-Experimental Study
V Afiya AS Rahul K Ramsiya T Reniya Khalid Safna K B Saliha Shahul Hameed Sandra Ravindran Saniya Saji Sanoobiya Shabana Harsha P, P Maria Soosai Suganthi, KU Meera
Young Nurses Journal of Research September 30, 2026 DOI: 10.53926/ynjr/0032 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 60 |
| Population | School-going children |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based mandala colouring |
| Dose | 30 minutes daily |
| Duration | 2 weeks |
| Measures | standardised stress scale, concentration checklist |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Guided mindfulness-based mandala colouring for 30 minutes daily over two weeks was associated with reduced stress scores and improved concentration levels among 60 school-going children, with changes reported as significant. No significant association was found between age, gender, or grade level and pre-test stress levels. The authors conclude the practice was effective for enhancing concentration and propose integrating it into school co-curricular activities. |
Abstract
Background: School-going children commonly experience stress arising from academic pressure and social demands, which may adversely affect concentration and academic performance. Mindfulness-based interventions have demonstrated efficacy in reducing psychological distress and improving attentional functioning in paediatric and adolescent populations.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness-based mandala colouring in reducing stress and improving concentration among school-going children.
Methods: A quantitative pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was adopted. A total of 60 school-going children were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a standardised scale and concentration checklist. The intervention consisted of guided mindfulness-based mandala colouring sessions for 30 minutes daily over 2 weeks. Validity and reliability of tools were ensured through expert review and pilot testing. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (paired t-test, chi-square test).
Results: Findings revealed a significant reduction in stress scores and improvement in concentration levels after the intervention (p < 0.001). No significant association was found between demographic variables (age, gender, grade level) and pre-test stress levels.
Conclusion: Mindfulness-based mandala colouring was found to be effective in enhancing concentration among school-going children. Schools may integrate such creative mindfulness practices into co-curricular activities to promote emotional well-being.
Comparable studies
Other experimental studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Cancer patients (clinical intervention study) | 2003 | Mixed methods: scale development, correlational, quasi-experimental, laboratory, experience-sampling, and clinical intervention study | |
| Loving-kindness meditation increases social connectedness. | 2008 | Controlled laboratory experiment | |
| Mindfulness and mind-wandering: Finding convergence through opposing constructs. | 2012 | Two studies: correlational study and experimental study | |
| Mental Training Enhances Attentional Stability: Neural and Behavioral Evidence | 2009 | Experimental study | |
| Mindfulness meditation and substance use in an incarcerated population. Incarcerated population | 2006 | Quasi-experimental with treatment-as-usual control condition |