Psychosocial Correlates of Trait Emotional Intelligence and Psychosomatic Symptoms Among Adolescents Exposed to Bullying and the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.

Bullying exposure is a concerning issue, specially among adolescents. It often results in severe negative physical and psychological outcomes which also includes low emotional intelligence and increased psychosomatic symptoms. Although, there are many studies that have focused on observing the effectiveness of MBSR or Mindfulness based interventions for reducing stress and regulating emotions, but there are very limited studies that have examined these relationships or have tested MBSR as an intervention, solely for adolescents exposed to bullying.

The current study has a two phased quantitative research design:

Phase 1: Cross Sectional Correlational Survery In this phase, about 403 adolescents aged 14 to 18 years, currently studying in secondary schools and colleges of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan were recruited through purposive convinient sampling. They completed a standardized questionnaire including scales such as, Multidimensional Peer Victimization Scale (MPVS-24), the Paediatric ACEs and Related Life Events Screener (PEARLS), the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire Adolescents Short Form (TEIQue-ASF) and the DSM 5 Level 2 Somatic Symptom Scale for Children aged 11 to 17.

Phase 2: Randomized Controlled Trial Adolescents meeting the eligibility criteria based on Phase 1 screening were identified. These adolescents had scored at or above the 75th percentile on the MPVS-24, PEARLS and DSM 5 Level 2 Somatic Symptom indicating significant level of bullying exposure, childhood traumatic experiences and increased psychosomatic symptoms and at or below the 25th percentile on The MAAS and TEIQue-ASF showing low mindfulness and disturbed trait emotional intelligence.

About 44 adolescents that were found eligible were randomized using computer generated random numbers in spss either into interventio group (n=22) who received 8 week MBSR through online platform having 90 minutes sessions and a waitlist control group (n=22) who did not receive any intervention during the study period.

Assessor blinding was used throughout the process of data collection in which the research assistant administering assessments was kept unaware Of participants group assignments. Pre intervention baseline assesssments were conducted at Time 1 and post intervention assessements at Time 2.

After the completion of the study, the waitlist control group received the MBSR program.

• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) (Behavioral): 8 week structured online group program based on the Kabat-Zinn 1990 protocol adapted for adolescents delivered via video conferencing in weekly 90 minute sessions comprising mindfulness meditation breathing exercises body scan Mindful movement and group Discussions to increase present moment awareness reduce stress reactivity improve Emotional stability.

Primary outcomes

• Trait Emotional Intelligence [Baseline pre intervention and 8 weeks post intervention]: Measured using Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire Adolescent Short Form (TEIQue-ASF), a 30 Item self report measure. Higher scores indicate higher Trait emotional intelligence.
• Psychosomatic Symptoms [Baseline and 8 weeks]: Measured using DSM-5 Level 2 Somatic Symptom Scale for children aged 11 To 17. A 13 Item scale. Higher scores Indicate greater psychosomatic distress.

Secondary outcomes

• Mindfulness [Baseline and 8 weeks]: Measured through Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). A 15 item self report measure. Higher scores indicate Greater dispositional mindfulness.
• Level of Bullying Exposure [Baseline and 8 weeks]: Measured using Multidimensional Peer Victimization Scale MPVS-24. A 24 item measure. Higher scores show greater bullying exposure.
• Childhood Traumatic Experiences [Baseline and 8 weeks]: Measured using Pediatric ACEs And Related Life Events Screener (PEARLS). Higher scores indicate greater adverse childhood Experiences

Sex: All, ages: 14 Years to 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adolescents aged 14 to 18 years currently enrolled in secondary school and colleges of Rawalpindi and Islamabad Pakistan.
* Score at or above 75th percentile on Multidimensional Peer Victimization Scale (MPVS-24) indicating significant bullying exposure.
* Score at or above 75th percentile on Pediatric ACEs and Related Life Events Screener (PEARLS) indicating Meaningful childhood trauma history.
* Score at or below 25th percentile on Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) Indicating low dispositional mindfulness.
* Score at or below 25th percentile on Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire Adolescent Short Form (TEIQue-ASF) indicating Impaired trait emotional intelligence.
* Demonstrate increased psychosomatic symptoms on DSM-5 Level 2 Somatic Symptom Scale for Children aged 11 to 17.
* Access to smartphone tablet or computer with stable Internet connection for online session participation.
* Voluntary assent from participant and written informed consent from parent or guardian.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current diagnosis of severe Psychiatric disorder such as Psychotic disorder.
* Currently receiving psychotherapy or any structured psychological treatment.
* Currently taking psychiatric or Mental health medication.
* Currently practicing mindfulness related exercises such as meditation Yoga or breathing exercises.
* Diagnosed chronic physical illness.
* Diagnosed physical or learning Disability.
* Unwillingness to commit to attending all eight weekly Online MBSR sessions.