Stress management in children: a pilot study in 7 to 9 year olds

Abstract

Objective: At present, school-age children suffer high levels of chronic stress that could producepotentially long-lasting effects. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of mind-bodyintegration practices and cooperative activities on stress levels and social interaction in 7- to 9-year-oldchildren. Methods: We performed an intervention program once a week during 2 months in which childrenperformed mind-body integration practices and cooperative activities. Results: Our findings showed thatthese practices reduced cortisol levels and increased social connectedness. Moreover, we found that most ofthe children used the learned mind-body integration practices in stressful situations in their homes, even5 months after the intervention. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated the positive impact of these helpfultools and the great plasticity of children?s behavior, which enabled them to incorporate healthy habits.Overall, the intervention enhanced health at an individual level and favored social network diversity ata group level. Our research illustrates how children can incorporate techniques that help them cope withstressful moments and reveals the effectiveness of this experience in reducing cortisol levels. This studycontributes to the understanding of how mind-body integration practices and social connectedness can behelpful in reducing chronic stress, a topic that, to the best of our knowledge, has been little studied inchildren.