Online Parent Education for Child Anxiety
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests whether parents can manage their child's anxiety through a brief, online education program. It examines how two different programs, Being Brave Parent Education and Project EMPOWER, affect parents' ability to support their children compared to a general education program. Parents will be randomly assigned to one of these self-guided programs. The trial seeks parents with a child aged 2 to 7 who shows noticeable anxiety symptoms. The goal is to identify a low-cost, accessible method to provide anxiety support to young children. As an unphased trial, this study offers parents a unique opportunity to contribute to developing accessible anxiety support for young children.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on an online education program for parents, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required.
What prior data suggests that these online parent education programs are safe for managing child anxiety?
Research shows that both "Being Brave" and "Project EMPOWER" are generally well-received by parents. "Being Brave" has been used safely in similar situations, focusing on helping parents reduce their children's anxiety. Although specific safety data for this program is unavailable, similar programs have not reported problems, suggesting it is likely safe.
For "Project EMPOWER," studies found it to be a helpful and effective program for parents. It aims to reduce behaviors in parents that might increase their child's anxiety. These studies reported no major safety issues, indicating it is safe to use.
Both programs are online and self-guided, meaning they don't involve medications or physical procedures. This lowers the risk of physical side effects, making them safe options for parents wanting to help manage their child's anxiety.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these programs because they offer innovative, self-guided online education for parents dealing with child anxiety. Unlike traditional therapy, which often requires in-person sessions and can be time-consuming, these programs are designed to be quick and accessible, with lessons lasting around 20 minutes. Being Brave and Project EMPOWER leverage cognitive-behavioral therapy principles, empowering parents to implement these strategies at home. Sharing Feelings focuses on emotional expression, offering a unique angle by teaching parents the importance of sharing feelings effectively. This approach aims to make support more readily available to families, breaking down barriers like time and accessibility that often accompany traditional therapy.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for managing child anxiety?
Research shows that programs focusing solely on parents can effectively reduce anxiety in children. In this trial, participants may join the "Being Brave" program, which studies have shown reduces children's anxiety scores by an average of 5.321 points. This program incorporates cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques in an easy-to-use online format. Alternatively, participants might join "Project EMPOWER," which successfully reduces behaviors that support a child's anxiety, thereby improving the child's anxiety over time. These programs equip parents with tools to help their children manage anxiety effectively. Overall, both approaches have demonstrated positive results in managing child anxiety by educating parents.16789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for parents of children aged 2-7 who want to learn how to manage their child's anxiety. The program is online and self-guided, making it accessible without a clinician. Parents must be willing to follow the program and provide feedback over an 8-month period.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Parents complete one of three self-guided online education programs to manage their child's anxiety
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in parental accommodation and child anxiety symptoms
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Being Brave Parent Education
- Project EMPOWER
- Sharing Feelings
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead Sponsor