Yuko Urao1,2, Ikuyo Ohira3, Takako Koshiba3, Shin-Ichi Ishikawa4, Yasunori Sato5, Eiji Shimizu3,6. 1. Research Centre for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan. yurao@faculty.chiba-u.jp. 2. United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Osaka, Japan. yurao@faculty.chiba-u.jp. 3. Research Centre for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan. 4. Department of Psychology, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan. 5. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. 6. United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Osaka, Japan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In Japan, 'Journey of the Brave', a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based anxiety preventive education programme, was previously developed and its effectiveness examined in two small-scale controlled trials. These studies had some limitations, including a small number of participants and not having regular classroom teachers as programme facilitators. Therefore, we conducted a large-scale controlled trial, with teachers as programme implementers. METHODS:Twenty-seven elementary schools participated: 1622 and 1123 children were allocated to the intervention and control groups, respectively. The intervention group received a programme comprising ten 45-min sessions, while the control group underwent the regular school curriculum. Anxiety symptoms among participants were assessed using the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) at three stages (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up). RESULTS: Following primary analysis, estimated mean changes in SCAS from baseline to follow-up were - 4.91 (95% CI - 5.91, - 3.90) in the intervention group and - 2.53 (95% CI - 3.52, - 1.54) in the control group; the group difference was 2.37 (95% CI 1.42, 3.33, p < 0.0001). Children in the intervention group showed significant reduction in their anxiety score versus children in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed a statistically significant anxiety score reduction in the intervention group, thus verifying the programme's effectiveness. Trial registration The University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN): UMIN000032517. Registered 10 May 2018-Retrospectively registered, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000037083.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: In Japan, 'Journey of the Brave', a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based anxiety preventive education programme, was previously developed and its effectiveness examined in two small-scale controlled trials. These studies had some limitations, including a small number of participants and not having regular classroom teachers as programme facilitators. Therefore, we conducted a large-scale controlled trial, with teachers as programme implementers. METHODS: Twenty-seven elementary schools participated: 1622 and 1123 children were allocated to the intervention and control groups, respectively. The intervention group received a programme comprising ten 45-min sessions, while the control group underwent the regular school curriculum. Anxiety symptoms among participants were assessed using the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) at three stages (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up). RESULTS: Following primary analysis, estimated mean changes in SCAS from baseline to follow-up were - 4.91 (95% CI - 5.91, - 3.90) in the intervention group and - 2.53 (95% CI - 3.52, - 1.54) in the control group; the group difference was 2.37 (95% CI 1.42, 3.33, p < 0.0001). Children in the intervention group showed significant reduction in their anxiety score versus children in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed a statistically significant anxiety score reduction in the intervention group, thus verifying the programme's effectiveness. Trial registration The University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN): UMIN000032517. Registered 10 May 2018-Retrospectively registered, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000037083.
Authors: Denise H M Bodden; Carmen D Dirksen; Susan M Bögels; Maaike H Nauta; Else De Haan; Jaap Ringrose; Carla Appelboom; Andries G Brinkman; Karen C M M J Appelboom-Geerts Journal: Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry Date: 2008-10 Impact factor: 2.544
Authors: Audra K Langley; R Lindsey Bergman; James McCracken; John C Piacentini Journal: J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol Date: 2004 Impact factor: 2.576