Meditation is increasingly recognized as an effective method for improving children’s mental health. However, responses to this practice vary depending on individual internal factors. This study aims to analyze differences in levels of inner calm between children with high and low interest in meditation when first introduced to the practice. Using a quantitative method with a comparative approach, this study involved 12 children divided into two age groups: 6 children aged 10–12 years (AMI Elementary School) and 6 children aged 13–15 years (Universal Middle School). Data were collected using a post-meditation response questionnaire administered by a mentor or educator. Data analysis utilized an Independent Samples T-Test to assess the statistical significance of the difference in means between the two groups. The results indicate a statistically significant difference between the interested group (M = 8.17; SD = 0.75) and the uninterested group (M = 5.67; SD = 0.52), with a t-value (10) = 7.018, p < 0.05. This finding indicates that initial interest is a strong predictor of the effectiveness of the first meditation experience in children. The practical implications of this study suggest that meditation guidance for children should begin by fostering interest and conceptual understanding before technical practice is conducted.
Copyrights © 2026