Parent training intervention for preventing childhood mental health problems

A Randomized Controlled Effectiveness Trial of a Transdiagnostic Parent Training Intervention to Prevent Childhood Mental Health Problems in Norwegian Frontline Services

NA · Norwegian Center for Child Behavioral Development · NCT05800522

This study is testing a new parent training program to see if it can help prevent mental health problems in children aged 4 to 12 years compared to regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment252 (estimated)
Ages4 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorNorwegian Center for Child Behavioral Development (other)
Locations1 site (Oslo)
Trial IDNCT05800522 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of the Supportive Parents - Coping Kids (SPARCK) intervention aimed at preventing and reducing mental health issues in children aged 4 to 12 years. Families will be randomly assigned to receive either the SPARCK intervention or standard care practices from Norwegian frontline services. The study will assess child symptoms, parenting practices, stress regulation, and quality of life at multiple time points, including post-intervention and six months later. Additionally, the trial will explore factors influencing the implementation of the SPARCK intervention and its clinical outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 4 to 12 years exhibiting elevated symptoms of anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems.

Not a fit: Patients currently receiving specialized mental health services or those with severe mental health conditions may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve mental health outcomes for children and enhance parenting practices.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in similar parent training interventions, suggesting potential for success with this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children displaying elevated symptoms of internalizing or/and externalizing problems

Exclusion Criteria:

* Child is referred to or receives ongoing help in the specialized mental health services for problems in the internalizing or externalizing domains
* Child is diagnosed with psychosis, mental retardation or pervasive developmental disorder
* Acute suicide risk
* Documented or probable ongoing physical or sexual abuse
* Child or caretakers receives other systematic interventions targeting internalizing or externalizing problems while enrolled in the study (prior to 6 month follow-up)

Where this trial is running

Oslo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Conduct Problems, Anxiety Symptoms, Depressive Symptoms, Transdiagnostic prevention, Childhood mental health problems, Parent training, Adaptive intervention

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.