Developing Resilience and Anxiety Management Through the Arts

Launched by CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · Jun 13, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is looking at how different types of arts activities can help children and teens who are feeling very anxious, sad, or depressed. The researchers want to see if combining fun theater games with proven therapy methods called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) works better than just doing theater games alone or taking part in a social craft group. The goal is to find out which approach helps reduce feelings of anxiety and depression the most.

Children and teens between the ages of 8 and 17 who have higher than usual levels of anxiety or depression may be able to join. To participate, a parent or guardian must give permission. The study involves taking part in group activities that include either theater improvisation combined with therapy, theater alone, or crafts with others. It’s important to note that kids with certain behavioral challenges, developmental delays, active thoughts of suicide, or other serious mental health concerns may not be eligible. The study is currently looking for participants who speak English and meet the criteria, and it offers a supportive way to explore how creative activities might improve mood and reduce stress.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Between 8 and 17 years of age
• • Individuals must have parental/guardian consent
• • Elevated levels of anxiety or depression based on
• • 1. Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) score of 15 or higher, or;
• • 2. Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) Depression T score of 65 or higher, or;
• • 3. Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS) clinician severity rating of 3 on any anxiety disorder or on a mood-related disorder
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosed with Conduct Disorder or with behavioral symptoms that would make it difficult for the child/adolescent to participate in the group or comply with directions given by the group leader (such as difficulty following instructions, difficulty staying in one's seat, defiance of adults, harming animals or people, threatening others, getting into physical fights, hyperactivity, impulsivity, difficulty waiting for one's turn, etc.)
• • Autism or developmental delays
• • Psychotic symptoms or active suicidality
• • Active Eating Disorders that raise concerns about morbidity and therefore need to be addressed in an intervention and actively monitored
• • Unsteady dosage or recently or impending changes to psychotropic medication(s)
• • Non-English-speaking individuals
• • Wards of the State