School-based Practices in Arts and Resilience for Kids

Launched by WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY · Apr 18, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called "School-based Practices in Arts and Resilience for Kids," is designed to test whether art therapy and yoga/mindfulness programs can help reduce anxiety and stress in young people aged 11 to 14, particularly those who have faced trauma or discrimination. The study will involve 250 students from two schools—one primarily serving Black/African American students and the other representing a diverse student body. Participants will take part in weekly sessions of either art therapy or yoga/mindfulness for one quarter of the school year, helping them build resilience and cope with their feelings. After this period, they will switch to the other program for the next quarter, ensuring everyone gets to experience both therapies.

To be eligible for the study, students must be between 11 and 14 years old, any gender, and able to understand and speak English. They also need permission from a parent or guardian to participate. Throughout the trial, researchers will gather information about the students' experiences, including how they feel emotionally and academically. This feedback is important for understanding how effective these programs are and will help shape future school-based mental health initiatives. The trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to create supportive environments for youth facing mental health challenges.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Ages 11-14 years, inclusive.
• • 2. Any gender identity or sex assigned at birth.
• • 3. English-speaking, given that study interventions and assessments will be in English.
• • 4. Ability to provide written informed assent or oral assent.
• • 5. Caregiver ability to provide informed consent and ability to assist in completing study.
• • 6. Student enrolled in collaborating school.
• • Note: here, we define 'caregiver' as the participant's parent and/or legal guardian.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Current or past bipolar I/II disorder
• • 2. Current or past psychotic disorder
• • 3. Autism spectrum disorders or any other severe developmental disorder