Program to help youth build identity and coping skills
Official title: Confirmatory Efficacy of the Building a Strong Identity and Coping Skills Program for Low-income and Minoritized Young Adolescents
Run by Penn State University · NCT05789446 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 11 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Penn State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and 4 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 31, 2029 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | September 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05789446 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, high suicidal risk, or severe depression may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Previous studies have shown promise in similar interventions aimed at improving coping skills and mental health outcomes in youth, suggesting potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Penn State Health Medical Group - Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting -
Dr. Edwin L. Herr Clinic
State College, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting -
Penn State Psychological Clinic
State College, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting -
Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States Not yet recruiting -
Penns Valley Area School District
Spring Mills, Pennsylvania, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Martha E Wadsworth, PhD — Penn State University
- Study coordinator: Martha E Wadsworth, PhD
- Email: mew27@psu.edu
- Phone: 814-865-2878
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.