Identity & Academic Skills Intervention for Stress Management
(BIO Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to help minority high school students develop a stronger sense of ethnic and racial identity, which may positively impact their stress levels, emotional well-being, and academic performance. The study will compare two groups: one focusing on academic skills and planning (Academic Skills Promotion) and the other on promoting positive feelings about ethnic and racial heritage (Ethnic and Racial Identity Promotion). Ninth-grade students at diverse suburban high schools who can read English and do not have certain medical conditions might be a good fit for this trial. As an unphased study, this trial offers students a unique opportunity to enhance their personal growth and academic success.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
If you are taking corticosteroid-based medications, you will not be able to participate in the study. Otherwise, the protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking other medications.
What prior data suggests that these interventions are safe for stress management?
Research shows that a strong sense of ethnic and racial identity can benefit mental health. Studies have found that individuals with a strong ethnic identity, particularly Black and Latino/a adults, tend to experience fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety. Programs focusing on ethnic and racial identity are generally safe and might even enhance emotional well-being.
While specific information on negative effects from such programs is lacking, focusing on identity and stress management does not involve physical procedures, making physical harm unlikely. The program includes group activities and discussions, similar to classroom settings, which are typically manageable for participants.
In summary, current research supports the safety of programs promoting ethnic and racial identity, indicating potential mental health benefits without known risks.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores new ways to manage stress through enhancing academic and ethnic/racial identity skills. Unlike standard stress management techniques, which often focus on relaxation or cognitive therapies, this intervention targets students' academic skills and cultural identity. By promoting a positive ethnic and racial identity and enhancing study strategies, it aims to build confidence and resilience in students. This holistic approach could offer a more tailored and impactful way to tackle stress, especially in diverse student populations.
What evidence suggests that this trial's interventions could be effective for stress management?
Research has shown that a strong sense of ethnic and racial identity can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, particularly for Black and Latino/a American adults. Programs that strengthen ethnic and racial identity might therefore improve mental health and emotional well-being. In this trial, the Ethnic and Racial Identity Promotion treatment aims to reduce stress and enhance overall well-being by fostering a positive connection to one's ethnic and racial background. Additionally, the Academic Skills Promotion treatment, another arm of this trial, focuses on enhancing college and career planning skills, which may also aid in stress management.13678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Emma K Adam, PhD
Principal Investigator
Northwestern University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for 9th grade students at three diverse, suburban high schools. Participants must be able to read English and provide both their own assent and parental consent. Students with endocrine disorders, those on corticosteroid medications, or who are pregnant cannot participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants undergo an 8-week intervention designed to promote ethnic and racial identity development
Initial Follow-up
Initial tests of the RCT effects will occur immediately after the intervention
Long-term Follow-up
Questionnaire and administrative outcomes will continue to be measured through the senior year of high school
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Academic Skills Promotion
- Ethnic and Racial Identity Promotion
Trial Overview
The study tests an intervention aimed at boosting ethnic and racial identity development in minority youth. It will also assess the impact on stress biology (like sleep quality), emotional well-being, executive functioning, and academic performance.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Students will participate in 8, 1 hour and 15 minute classroom based intervention sessions at their local high school, during which a facilitator will lead them through a series of lectures, group activities, and individual homework activities designed to promote a positive ethnic and racial identity (positive feelings about ones' ethnic and racial heritage and ethnic and racial group membership).
Students in this active comparison group will participate in an 8-week, 1 hour and 15 minute classroom based intervention, during which a facilitator will lead them through a series of lectures, group activities, and individual homework activities designed to provide information regarding college and career planning, and promote college and career planning as well as study skills and strategies. This condition receives the same amount of facilitator time and attention as the Experimental condition.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Northwestern University
Lead Sponsor
Harvard University
Collaborator
Citations
Ethnic Identity, Stress, and Personal Recovery Outcomes ...
Stronger ethnic identity has been associated with fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms among Black and Latino/a American adults (Burnett-Zeigler et al., 2013; ...
2.
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It is hypothesized that the intervention will have positive effects on ethnic-racial identity development, stress biology (including sleep hours and quality and ...
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