Developing Resilience and Anxiety Management Through the Arts

BEHAVIORAL

Improvisation + Wellness

Theatrical improvisation exercises, the theatrical art of performance and storytelling without a script, will be combined with wellness techniques

BEHAVIORAL

Improvisation

Theatrical improvisation exercises (the theatrical art of performance and storytelling without a script) will be completed in this arm. These exercises will be fairly similar to that from the improvisation + wellness but without the wellness techniques.

BEHAVIORAL

Social Craft

Participants assigned to the Social Craft group will engage in arts and crafts projects and activities

Child Anxiety and Depression (based on Parent Report)

Time frame: Baseline, post (after 9 weeks of the group curriculum), and 3 months post-group

Child anxiety and depression will be measured using a parent-report. The Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale Parent Report (RCADS-P) is a 47-item measure that assesses parent-report of child anxiety and depressive symptoms. Parents respond to each item on a 4-point Likert-scale from 0 ("never") to 3 ("always). The measure yields 6 subscales including: separation anxiety disorder (SAD), social phobia (SP), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). There is also a total anxiety scale, which is the sum of the 5 anxiety subscales and a total internalizing scale, which is the sum of all 6 subscales. The RCADS-P has excellent psychometric properties, including high internal consistency and convergent validity. Higher scores indicate higher anxiety/depression symptoms. A T-score is created based on the child's age and gender.

Child Anxiety and Depression (based on youth report)

Time frame: Baseline, post (after 9 weeks of the group curriculum), and 3 months post-group

Child anxiety and depression will also be measured using a youth report. The Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) is a 47 item measure that assesses child report of child anxiety and depressive symptoms. Youth respond to each item on a 4-point Likert-scale from 0 ("never") to 3 ("always). The measure yields 6 subscales including: separation anxiety disorder (SAD), social phobia (SP), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). There is also a total anxiety scale, which is the sum of the 5 anxiety subscales and a total internalizing scale, which is the sum of all 6 subscales. The RCADS has been translated from English into Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, and Danish. The measure has good discriminant validity, internal consistency, and convergent validity and discriminates between anxiety and depression.

Cognitive Behavioral Technique (CBT) Skill Knowledge

Time frame: Baseline, after 9 weeks of the group curriculum, and 3 months post-group

This is a measure designed by the research team that assesses cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT) Skills knowledge. Participants indicate whether each item is true or false. Items ask about whether thoughts and feelings influence one another, whether avoidance is a good idea when one is anxious about something, present-moment focus/mindfulness, diaphragmatic breathing, activity scheduling, progressive muscle relaxation, etc.

Cognitive Behavioral Technique (CBT) Skills Use

Time frame: Baseline, after 9 weeks of the group curriculum, and 3 months post-group

This is a measure designed by the research team that assesses cognitive-behavioral technique (CBT) Skills use. Participants indicate how often they use each skill on a scale from Never (0) to At least once a day (5). Skills assessed included diaphragmatic breathing, cognitive restructuring, facing your fears, muscle relaxation, being mindful, scheduling pleasant activities, etc.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.