Anxiety, Low Mood
Conditions
Brief summary
The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a school-based multi-component universal programme for the reduction of internalising problems (i.e. anxiety and low mood) in primary school pupils.
Detailed description
Childhood and adolescence are important developmental phases for wellbeing and mental health. School has been noted in psychological literature to be a favourable environment for mental health initiatives, such as school-based programmes. Universal programmes are programmes delivered to all pupils irrespective of perceived need and have several advantages, including having a wide reach, avoiding the need for screening and are less stigmatising. A Lust for Life is a universal school-based multi-component intervention whose target is to build well-being and emotional resilience in children. The programme was informed by evidence-based psychological approaches including cognitive behaviour therapy, positive psychology and mindfulness and consists of six lessons, each delivered by the pupils' school teacher on a weekly basis. The lessons involve classroom discussions, videos, classroom activities and homework assignments. Study participants will complete the Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale Short Format, Coping strategy indicator and Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children pre-intervention. Following this, schools randomly assigned to the experimental group will receive A Lust for Life, while those randomly assigned to the control group will be placed on a sixteen-week waiting list. The questionnaire measures and a Brief Satisfaction Scale will be completed by participants at post-intervention. In addition, a six-week follow-up assessment will determine whether the effects of the programme are sustained over a period of time. The programme will be delivered in the waiting list control group schools after the six-week follow-up assessment.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALA Lust for Life Schools Programme
A Lust for Life is a universal school-based multi-component programme whose target is to build well-being and emotional resilience in children. The programme was informed by evidence-based psychological approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behaviour therapy and positive psychology. It is delivered in six weekly lessons by the childrens' school teacher and involves classroom discussions, videos, classroom activities and homework assignments.
Sponsors
University College Dublin
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
10 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Child * Enrolled in primary school in Ireland * Obtain written informed consent from parents/guardians * Provide written assent
Exclusion criteria
* Failure to meet inclusion criteria
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Symptoms of anxiety and low mood measured by the Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale Short Form | 16 weeks | 25-item self-report measure of anxiety and depression symptoms of individuals aged 8-18 years. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Coping skills as measured by the Coping Strategy Indicator | 16 weeks | 33-item measure that measures three coping factors: seeking social support, problem-solving, and avoidance. |
| Self-efficacy as measured by the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children | 16 weeks | 24-item questionnaire that measures three factors: academic, social and emotional self-efficacy. |
Other
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Satisfaction with the programme measured by the Brief Satisfaction Scale | 10 weeks | Scores on each item of the Brief Satisfaction Scale range from 1 to 7 |
Countries
Ireland
Outcome results
None listed