Helping students transition to middle school with less anxiety
Transitioning Emotionally and Academically to Middle School Successfully: Development of a Brief Intervention to Reduce Student Anxiety (TEAMSS)
This study is testing a new program to help 5th graders with anxiety feel more comfortable as they move up to middle school.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 9 Years to 13 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UConn Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (West Hartford, Connecticut) |
| Trial ID | NCT05145387 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to develop and evaluate a brief intervention called TEAMSS, designed to assist 5th grade students with elevated anxiety as they transition to middle school. The pilot randomized controlled trial will involve approximately 42 students from 12 elementary schools, who will be screened and evaluated for anxiety symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the TEAMSS intervention or Enhanced Usual Care, with the intervention consisting of group sessions over 10 weeks, including parent involvement and clinician consultations with teachers. The study will assess the feasibility and effectiveness of this intervention in reducing anxiety and improving academic functioning during this critical transition period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are 5th grade students with elevated anxiety symptoms who are preparing to transition to middle school.
Not a fit: Students with primary mental health concerns other than anxiety, such as ADHD, may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce anxiety in students, leading to improved academic performance and emotional well-being during the transition to middle school.
How similar studies have performed: While interventions targeting anxiety in school transitions are limited, similar approaches have shown promise in improving outcomes for students with anxiety in other contexts.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Student: Inclusion Criteria: * be in the last year of a participating elementary school * have elevated anxiety symptoms that are their primary concern as indicated by 1) a total SCARED score at baseline of 15 or higher using parent and/or child report, and/or 2) a Clinician Severity Rating (CSR) of 3 or higher on the ADIS * read and understand English (both parent and child). Exclusion Criteria: * Students who have a non-anxiety primary mental health concern (e.g., ADHD) will be excluded from TEAMSS, as this intervention is aimed at reducing anxiety and it would not be effective at treating other mental health concerns. Students with comorbid conditions secondary to anxiety will be eligible. Clinician: Inclusion Criteria: * All clinician participants must be at least a part time employee of a CT MS in the role of school clinician. Exclusion Criteria: * None
Where this trial is running
West Hartford, Connecticut
- UConn Health — West Hartford, Connecticut, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Golda Ginsburg, PhD — UConn Health
- Study coordinator: Golda Ginsburg, PhD
- Email: gginsburg@uchc.edu
- Phone: (860) 523-3788
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.