School-based program using the Unified Protocol to promote adolescents' mental health
Prevention and Promotion of Mental Well-being in Adolescents: Efficacy of the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders as a School-based Universal Prevention Program (UP-A Kind) Through a Cluster Randomized Controlled-trial
This program will test whether an eight-week, school-delivered version of the Unified Protocol helps 11–18-year-olds prevent emotional symptoms and improve mental well-being.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 11 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Coimbra Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Coimbra) |
| Trial ID | NCT07021001 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This cluster randomized controlled trial adapts the Unified Protocol for Adolescents (UP-A) into an eight-week universal preventive program delivered in schools by clinical psychologists. Classes of 7th–9th graders (ages 11–18) are randomized to receive the UP-A Kind program or no intervention, with outcomes measured at baseline, post-intervention, and at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Primary outcomes include changes in emotional symptoms and mental well-being, and secondary outcomes focus on transdiagnostic processes such as cognitive flexibility, mindfulness, and distress tolerance. The intervention is group-based, manualized, and designed for delivery in Portuguese in participating schools in Coimbra, Portugal.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Portuguese-speaking students aged 11–18 enrolled in 7th–9th grade at participating Coimbra schools whose guardians provide written consent.
Not a fit: Students who already need specialized mental-health treatment, who do not speak Portuguese, or who cannot attend in-person sessions are less likely to benefit from this universal prevention program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could lower future anxiety and depressive symptoms across whole school cohorts by strengthening emotion-regulation skills early.
How similar studies have performed: Randomized and nonrandomized trials of the UP-A have reduced adolescent anxiety and depression, though universal school-based adaptations have been less widely tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Frequent 7º, 8º or 9º grade * Providing written informed assent (the adolescent and the legal tutor) * Being able to understand, write and read Portuguese Exclusion Criteria: * No exclusion criteria because of being a universal prevention study
Where this trial is running
Coimbra
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences - University of Coimbra — Coimbra, Portugal (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Inês Maçãs-Carvalho, MSc
- Email: inescarvalho.psicologia@gmail.com
- Phone: +351 239 247 410
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.