Tiny Heroes: Decrease and Prevent Anxiety Problems in Young Children

Launched by KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET · Feb 4, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Tiny Heroes trial is studying a new online program aimed at helping young children, aged 3 to 6 years old, who struggle with anxiety and worries. The program, called Tiny Heroes, is designed for parents to learn how to support their children through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of therapy that helps change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. This trial will gather feedback from parents to see how well the program works and what kind of support they might need from healthcare providers.

To participate in the trial, parents or caretakers must have a child aged 3 to 6 who is experiencing significant anxiety, fears, or worries, and they should be able to read Swedish and have internet access. However, children with major developmental disorders or parents with serious mental health challenges that could affect their involvement will not be included. The trial is currently not recruiting participants, but if Tiny Heroes proves to be effective, a larger study may be planned in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria:
• • Parent or caretaker of child 3-6 years with primary problem of worries, fear, or anxiety, assessed by a licensed psychologist at MALINA
• • Parent or caretaker can read Swedish
• • Parent or caretaker has access to computer, tablet or mobile phone with internet connection
• Exclusion criteria:
• • Child having major developmental disorder (e.g., intellectual disability or severe autism spectrum disorder)
• • Parent having significant intellectual impairment or mental health problems (likely to interfere with participation in the treatment)
• • Social problems which the psychologist at MALINA appraise will hinder participation in Tiny Heroes (e.g., ongoing separation between parents, serious problems with the child's pre-school)