Group gamified instrumental music training to boost resilience in underprivileged 8–12 year olds
A Gamified Instrumental Musical Training to Enhance Resilience of Underprivileged School-aged Children at Risk of Mental Health Problems: A Randomised Controlled Trial
NA · Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT07165925
This program will test whether group gamified instrumental music lessons can help underprivileged Hong Kong children aged 8–12 become more resilient and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 174 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT07165925 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized controlled trial comparing a group-based gamified instrumental music training program to an active placebo intervention in underprivileged Hong Kong children aged 8–12 who are at risk for depression or anxiety. Participants are screened using the CES-DC and the State Anxiety Scale for Children and those meeting cutoff scores are enrolled, with exclusions for chronic health conditions, cognitive or learning difficulties, or prior music-based interventions. The study measures resilience as the primary outcome and tracks depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-esteem, and health-related quality of life as secondary outcomes over a 12-month follow-up. Sessions are delivered in person at the investigator site and outcomes are collected at multiple time points to evaluate durability of effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Hong Kong Chinese children aged 8–12 from low-income families who read Chinese, speak Cantonese or Mandarin, and screen at elevated risk for depression (CES-DC ≥16) and/or anxiety (State Anxiety Scale for Children 36–60).
Not a fit: Children with chronic health conditions, cognitive or learning difficulties, or those who are currently receiving or have previously received music-based interventions are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could strengthen coping skills and reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms, improving self-esteem and quality of life for low-income children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous music-based interventions have shown promising effects on resilience and psychosocial outcomes in paediatric groups, but evidence specifically targeting underprivileged school-aged children is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Hong Kong Chinese children aged 8-12 years. * Able to read Chinese and communicate in Cantonese/Mandarin. * From low-income families. * Have a risk of mental health problems, specifically depression and/or anxiety (determined through screening during the recruitment process using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children, with a cut-off score of ≥16 indicating a high risk of depression, and/or the State Anxiety Scale for Children, with scores between 36 and 60 indicating a significant level of anxiety) Exclusion Criteria: * Have chronic health conditions, cognitive and learning difficulties * if they or their siblings are currently receiving or have received any music-based interventions before the study.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Tan Cheung, PhD, MPhil
- Email: ankiecheung@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: +85239430515
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Resilience, Depressive Symptom, Anxiety, Musical training, underprivileged children, mental health