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

NCT07468994 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: NIP-MINDUP-2026
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 61
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Depression; Anxiety; Stress

Keywords

MindUP; Mindfulness Intervention; Orphan Adolescents; Mental Health; Pakistan; School based intervention

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Depression Symptoms (DASS-21 Depression Subscale)

  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.

  Baseline to Post-Intervention (15 weeks)

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Change in Stress Levels (DASS-21 Stress Subscale)

  Baseline to Post-Intervention (15 weeks)

• Change in Anxiety Symptoms (DASS-21 Anxiety Subscale)

  Baseline to Post-Intervention (15 weeks)

Study Arms (2)

MindUP Intervention Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group received the MindUP mindfulness-based intervention program designed to improve emotional regulation, attention, and psychological well-being. The program consisted of structured sessions focusing on mindfulness practices, social-emotional learning, and awareness exercises delivered over several weeks.

Behavioral: MindUP Program

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in this group continued their routine institutional activities and did not receive the MindUP intervention during the study period. Psychological outcomes were assessed at the same time points as the intervention group.

Interventions

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.

MindUP Intervention Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 11 Years - 16 Years
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• 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.

You may not qualify if:

• 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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Quaid-e-Azam University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Aghosh Alkhidmat Foundation College Murree

Islamabad, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Depression; Anxiety Disorders; Psychological Well-Being

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavioral Symptoms; Behavior; Mental Disorders; Personal Satisfaction

Study Officials

• Rubina Hanif, PhD

  Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NON RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: PhD Scholar, Department of Psychology

Model Details: Participants were assigned to two parallel groups: an intervention group receiving the MindUP mindfulness-based program and a comparison group receiving routine institutional activities. Outcomes were measured at baseline and post-intervention to assess changes in depression, anxiety, and stress.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 9, 2026
• First Posted: March 13, 2026
• Study Start: June 8, 2024
• Primary Completion: September 21, 2024
• Study Completion: September 28, 2024
• Last Updated: March 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)