Harry Potter as a Novel Educational Paradigm to Improve Mental Wellness in Children: A Prospective Trial

Launched by SUNNYBROOK HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE · Feb 22, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is testing a new way to help improve mental wellness in children, specifically those in grades 7 and 8, by using the popular book "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." The goal is to see if this educational program can reduce thoughts of self-harm and suicide, as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression. The program teaches students important coping skills through lessons based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps them understand how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. Classes will be randomly divided to receive the program either in the fall or winter, allowing researchers to compare the results over the school year.

To participate, students must be in grades 7 or 8, be able to read and speak English, and agree to answer some questions about their mental health before and after the program. Throughout the study, students will complete surveys about their feelings and experiences, and some may join focus groups to share their thoughts on the curriculum. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and it aims to find effective ways to support children's mental health in schools.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Only schools with Grade 7 and 8 classrooms (if requested, we may allow high school teachers/students in Grade 9 - 12 to participate as well)
• • Participants must be able to speak and read fluent English
• • Participants must be willing to complete demographic and clinical self-report questionnaires on anxiety, depression, and general well-being before the intervention and at each timepoint.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • -