A pilot investigation of universal school‐based prevention programs for anxiety and depression symptomology in children: A randomized controlled trial. Issue 7 (13th January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Johnstone, Kristy M.; Middleton, Tracey; Kemps, Eva; Chen, Junwen
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical psychology. Volume 76:Issue 7(2020)
• Page Start: 1193
• Page End: 1216
• Publication Date: 2020-01-13
• Subjects: anxiety -- depression -- resilience -- school children -- transdiagnostic -- universal prevention -- worry; Psychology -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22926
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9762

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The current study aimed to provide a preliminary evaluation of two universal school‐based prevention programs, Emotion Regulation (ER) and Behavioral Activation (BA), by increasing resilience to manage excessive worry, a transdiagnostic feature across anxiety and depression. Method: Primary school children ( N = 295; 52.5% female; 8–13 years) from five Australian schools were cluster randomized to an ER, BA or usual class control condition. Outcome measures included resilience, worry, anxiety, and depression symptomology; ER and BA were measured as potential mediators. Participants completed measures at pre‐ and postprogram, and at 6‐month follow‐up. Results: Children in the BA condition showed increased resilience at 6 months. Expressive suppression mediated the effects of both programs on worry. Conclusion: The current study aimed to provide a preliminary evaluation of two universal school‐based prevention programs, ER and BA, by increasing resilience to manage excessive worry, a transdiagnostic feature across anxiety and depression.