Classroom mindfulness, compassion, and social-emotional programs for children in grades 3–7.
Official title: The PACE Study (Present-Moment Awareness, Attention, Compassion, Emotion Regulation): Effects of School-Based Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
Run by IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris · NCT07398781 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try classroom mindfulness, compassion, and social-emotional activities to help children in grades 3–7 improve attention, emotion regulation, and thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 8 Years to 13 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Florence, Firenze and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 13, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07398781 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are primary school students in grades 3–7 who attend participating schools in Pisa or Florence and have signed parental consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Children outside grades 3–7, those without parental consent, or students who require specialized clinical interventions are unlikely to benefit from these universal classroom programs.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Children in grades 3–7 in participating schools receive one of three classroom programs: a mindfulness-based program, a compassion-focused training, or a social-emotional learning (SEL) program. Interventions are delivered through structured experiential activities by trained facilitators during regular class time. Participants complete standardized cognitive tests and questionnaires before and after the program that measure attention, executive function, emotion regulation, mindfulness, self-compassion, and social-emotional skills. The work is conducted by IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris in collaboration with the Universities of Pisa and Florence and includes schools in Pisa and Florence, Italy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these programs could improve children's attention, emotional regulation, and social skills, supporting better learning and mental well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Prior school-based mindfulness and social-emotional learning programs have shown modest improvements in attention, behavior, and well-being, while direct comparisons including compassion-focused training in schools are more limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must be primary school students (grades 3rd-7th) Exclusion Criteria: * Lack of signed consent
Where it's running
-
Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Scienze della Formazione e Psicologia
Florence, Firenze, Italy Recruiting -
Università di Pisa
Pisa, Pisa, Italy Recruiting -
IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris
Pisa, Pisa, Italy Recruiting -
John Cabot University
Roma, Roma, Italy Active not recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.