Factorial Optimization Trial to Test Effects of Coping Intervention Components

Launched by ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY · Apr 8, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how certain coping strategies can help children deal with anxiety and depression after their parents separate or divorce. The study focuses on three specific strategies: reappraisal (changing how you think about a situation), distraction (finding ways to take your mind off things), and relaxation (calming down). By testing these strategies, researchers hope to create a better program that can support children facing emotional challenges during this tough time.

To participate in this study, children aged 9 to 12 who have parents that are separated or divorced can apply, as long as they and one parent speak English and the parent is involved with the child. The study is looking for children who experience a lot of conflict between their parents and show some signs of emotional difficulties. Participants will engage in activities related to the coping strategies and will be asked to share their feelings and reactions to help researchers understand how these strategies can benefit them. It's important to know that children currently receiving therapy or those with severe emotional issues may not be eligible to join.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • child between ages 9-12 whose parents are separated or divorced
• • child and one parent are fluent in English
• • a parent with sufficient contact (i.e., at least 4 overnights and/or 12 daytime visits per month) with child who is willing to complete study assessments and has legal right to give permission for the child to participate in research
• • child-report of high exposure to IPC (mean Z score ≥ 40th percentile on the two child report measures of IPC; score standardization based on data from 559 youth whose parents participated in an experimental parenting program)
• • elevated internalizing or externalizing problems (T score in the borderline clinical range according to either child or parent report on the BPM).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • in active therapy
• • score ≥ 99th percentile on either internalizing and externalizing problems subscale
• • endorse suicidality (will be ineligible for the study and referred for treatment)