Prevention Programme for Improvement of Well-being and Level of Participation in Adolescents With Enhanced Psychiatric Burden in the School Environment.
This research is testing new ways to support young people aged 10 to 14 who are experiencing mental health challenges in school. The study compares two main approaches. The first approach provides personal counselling with a digital app called STEPS, combined with lessons on mental health and safe internet use. This is called 'blended care'. The second approach, which is the usual support given, involves teachers leading lessons about mental health and digital skills. Researchers want to see if the blended care approach is better at reducing stress, improving well-being, and helping young people take part more fully in school life. They also want to understand if students, parents, and teachers find the blended care helpful and whether it could save money in the long run.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is designed to find better ways to help young people aged between 10 and 14 who are having a difficult time with their mood or mental health in a school setting. We know that these years can be tough, and some young people might need extra support to feel their best and get the most out of school.
The research compares two types of support. One type, called 'blended care', combines one-on-one personal guidance from a trained professional with a special digital app called STEPS. This is also teamed up with lessons that teach young people about looking after their mental health and using digital tools safely and wisely. The other type of support is what schools usually offer, where teachers lead similar lessons on digital and mental well-being. The main goal is to discover if the 'blended care' approach is more effective than the usual support in helping young people feel better and be more involved in school activities.
Ultimately, this study aims to improve the well-being of young people, reduce any upsetting feelings or symptoms they might be experiencing, and help them thrive at school. Researchers also want to know if young people, their parents, and their teachers find the new blended care approach helpful and easy to use. Finally, they'll be looking at whether this new approach is a good use of resources for the wider support system.
Key takeaways
- This study explores new ways to support young people (10-14) with mental health challenges in school.
- It compares 'blended care' (counselling + app + lessons) with standard teacher-led lessons.
- The aim is to reduce stress, improve well-being, and boost school participation.
- It also assesses how acceptable the new support is to students, parents, and teachers.
- The study helps understand if new support approaches are effective and valuable.
- Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, young people need to be between 10 and 14 years old. Both boys and girls are welcome to join. They also need to be regularly attending school.
An important part of joining is that they should be showing some signs of mental health challenges. This is checked using a special questionnaire called the SDQ-25, and their score must be above a certain level (more than 17).
Young people cannot join the study if they have a very low IQ (below 80) or if they are already regularly seeing a doctor or therapist for their mental health at least once a month. This is to make sure the study can clearly see the effects of the new support methods.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is your child aged between 10 and 14 years old?
- Does your child regularly attend school?
- Has your child been experiencing some mental health challenges or worries?
- Is your child NOT currently having regular (at least once a month) counselling or therapy appointments?
What does participation involve?
If you or your child decides to take part, the study will involve a few steps over several months. Firstly, there will be an initial check to make sure the study rules are met, which might include completing a questionnaire and getting consent. Then, before any support starts, there will be a detailed assessment to understand how things are at that point. After this, your child will be randomly assigned to receive either the 'blended care' support (personal counselling, the STEPS app, and lessons) or the teacher-led lessons.
Throughout the study, there will be a follow-up assessment once the support period has finished, and then another check-up three months later. The study is designed to see if the new approach makes a difference over time. There are no specific medications involved, and the focus is on supportive interventions and learning.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, RWTH Aachen UniversityVerified postcodeAachen, Germany
Common questions
What is 'blended care'?
Blended care means combining face-to-face or online personal support from a professional with digital tools, like an app, to help you.
What is the STEPS app?
The STEPS app is a digital tool designed to help young people with their mental well-being as part of the personalized support in this study.
Will my child stop seeing their current doctor or therapist?
No, if your child is seeing a doctor or therapist regularly (at least once a month), they wouldn't be able to join this study. This study is for those not currently receiving intensive support.
What exactly will my child learn in the digital and mental literacy training?
This training teaches young people about understanding and managing their emotions, building resilience, and how to use digital platforms safely and positively for their well-being.
How long will my child be involved in the study?
The study involves initial checks, assessments before and after the support period, and a final check-up three months later. The total time from the start of support to the final check is a few months.
How to find out more
Michael Siniatchkin, Prof. Dr.
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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