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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07468994

Effect of the MindUP Program on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Pakistani Orphan Adolescents

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the MindUP mindfulness-based program in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress among orphan adolescents in Pakistan. Adolescents living in orphan care institutions often experience significant psychological distress due to early life adversity, loss of parental support, and institutional living conditions.

A school-based quasi-experimental design was used to examine whether participation in the MindUP program improves mental health outcomes among orphan adolescents. Participants were adolescents residing in orphanages in Pakistan who were assigned to either an intervention group receiving the MindUP program or a comparison group receiving routine institutional activities.

The MindUP intervention consisted of structured mindfulness and social-emotional learning sessions designed to enhance emotional regulation, attention, and psychological well-being. The program was delivered over several weeks by trained facilitators.

Psychological outcomes including depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using standardized self-report scales before and after the intervention. The study aims to determine whether the MindUP program is effective in improving mental health among orphan adolescents in low-resource institutional settings.

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Key information

Conditions

Depression Anxiety Anxiety Disorders Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Mental Disorders Personal Satisfaction Psychological Well-Being Stress

Age range

11 year–16 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Aghosh Alkhidmat Foundation College Murree

Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Male adolescents aged 11-16 years.

Residing in an orphan care institution.

Currently enrolled in school (grades 7-8).

Able to understand and participate in the MindUP program sessions.

Provided assent to participate and permission obtained from the institutional authorities/guardians.

Exclusion criteria

  • Adolescents currently receiving psychological or psychiatric treatment.

Adolescents with severe cognitive or developmental disorders that would interfere with participation in the intervention.

Adolescents who did not complete baseline assessments or were absent for most intervention sessions.

Treatment and study plan

MindUP Program

Behavioral

MindUP is a mindfulness-based social and emotional learning program that teaches participants skills related to mindful awareness, emotional regulation, attention, and stress management through structured exercises and activities.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Depression Symptoms (DASS-21 Depression Subscale)

    Time frame: Baseline to Post-Intervention (15 weeks)

    Depression symptoms were measured using the Depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). Higher scores indicate greater levels of depressive symptoms. Changes from baseline to post-intervention were assessed to evaluate the effectiveness of the MindUP program.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Stress Levels (DASS-21 Stress Subscale)

    Time frame: Baseline to Post-Intervention (15 weeks)

  2. Change in Anxiety Symptoms (DASS-21 Anxiety Subscale)

    Time frame: Baseline to Post-Intervention (15 weeks)

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Quaid-e-Azam University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Does MindUP Work With Pakistani Orphan Adolescents? Assessing Its Efficacy in Lowering Depression, Anxiety and Stress

Acronym: MINDUP-PAK

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Mar 13, 2026
Registry last updated
Mar 13, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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