Program to help youth build identity and coping skills

Confirmatory Efficacy of the Building a Strong Identity and Coping Skills Program for Low-income and Minoritized Young Adolescents

Not applicable Interventional Penn State University · NCT05789446

This study is testing a program to help young people aged 11-14 from low-income backgrounds build their identity and coping skills to see if it can reduce their stress, anxiety, and depression.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment360 (estimated)
Ages11 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPenn State University Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05789446 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the efficacy of the Building a Strong Identity and Coping Skills (BaSICS) intervention for low-income and minoritized youth aged 11-14 who are experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. The study aims to confirm previous findings regarding the program's effectiveness, assess changes in coping mechanisms, and examine physiological stress responses. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which will receive the BaSICS program, or a control group that will not receive the intervention. The trial seeks to provide insights into the mental health treatment of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking children aged 11-14 from families with an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

Not a fit: Patients with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, high suicidal risk, or severe depression may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve coping skills and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in at-risk youth.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in similar interventions aimed at improving coping skills and mental health outcomes in youth, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children ages 11-14 at intake
* Family income at or below 200% federal poverty level
* Child speaks English
* Parent speaks English or Spanish

Exclusion Criteria:

* Intellectual disability
* Autism spectrum disorder
* High suicidal risk (score of 17 or more on the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI-Kid))
* Severe depression (score of 19 or more on Patient health questionnaire (PHQ).

Where this trial is running

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and 4 other locations

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.
Conditions Chronic StressAnxietyDepressionPovertyDiscriminationStressCoping
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.