The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of FRIENDS for Life as an indicated school-based prevention programme for children with early or mild signs of anxiety or depression.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Anxiety disorders and symptoms
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Symptoms of anxiety and depression
Secondary outcome
Programme-integrity
Childrens' evaluation of the programme
Parents' evaluations of the programme
Response to FRIENDS for Life in gender, age, and ethnic group
Background summary
Anxiety disorders and depression are highly prevalent in children and affect
children*s current and future functioning. Childhood anxiety and depression
show considerable persistence into adulthood and are likely to deteriorate when
left untreated. FRIENDS for Life is a cognitive-behavioural programme that
teaches children the skills to cope more effectively with feelings of anxiety
and depression. The effect of the programme has been established in Australia,
the UK and the USA. However, the effect size varies per study. In addition, the
fact that FRIENDS for Life has been shown to be effective in international
studies does not automatically imply its effectiveness and suitability in the
Netherlands. Differences in school systems, cultural norms and values, and
characteristics of participating children may result in differences in the
effectiveness of prevention programmes between countries. Although FRIENDS for
Life is increasingly being implemented at Dutch schools as a preventive
intervention, its effectiveness has never been investigated in the Dutch
situation.
Study objective
The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of FRIENDS for Life as an
indicated school-based prevention programme for children with early or mild
signs of anxiety or depression.
Study design
Controlled study
Intervention
FRIENDS for Life is a cognitive-behavioural programme that teaches children the
skills to cope more effectively with feelings of anxiety and depression and
builds emotional resilience, problem-solving abilities and self-confidence.
FRIENDS for Life consists of 10 weekly sessions plus 1 booster session. The
programme also includes 2 parent sessions. The programme will be carried out at
schools, irrespective of the study.
Study burden and risks
Children who participate in the study, have already participated in FRIENDS for
Life. Children fill in questionnaires 6 and 12 months after the intervention.
This will take approximately 15 minutes a time. A random sample of 30 children
will asked to participate in an online focus group. There is no risk associated
with filling in the questionnaires or participating in the online focus groups.
The study can only be conducted with children aged 10-12 years, because the
intervention is specifically designed for this group.
A random sample of 30 parents will be contacted by telephone. This will take
approximately 10 minutes of their time. There is no risk associated with
participating.
Postbus 2200
1000 CE Amsterdam
NL
Postbus 2200
1000 CE Amsterdam
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Children scoring highest on the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) and/or children nominated by teachers and care coordinators are eligible for participation in FRIENDS for Life. Teachers and care coordinators nominate children who display mild symptoms of anxiety and/or depression (i.e., are shy, nervous, afraid, inhibited, depressed, unhappy, worried)
Exclusion criteria
Presence of a clinical anxiety or depressive disorder, externalising behaviour problems, substantial learning disabilities or a developmental delay. Children who are not motivated or not willing to take part in the programme.
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| Other | Netherlands Trial Register (NTR2397) |
| CCMO | NL32979.029.10 |
| OMON | NL-OMON23152 |