Testing coping strategies for children affected by parental conflict
Promoting Effective Coping by Children Exposed to Post-divorce Interparental Conflict to Reduce Risk for Mental Health Problems
This study is testing different coping strategies to see which ones help children aged 9-12 feel better and handle their emotions when their parents are going through a separation or divorce.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 144 (estimated) |
| Ages | 9 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Arizona State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tempe, Arizona) |
| Trial ID | NCT05822687 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial aims to identify effective coping strategies to help children aged 9-12 cope with emotional challenges stemming from parental separation or divorce. It will evaluate three digital intervention components: reappraisal, distraction, and relaxation, to determine their individual and combined effects on children's emotional well-being and coping efficacy. The study will involve 144 children and will assess both direct and indirect impacts of these coping strategies on mental health outcomes. The findings will inform the development of an optimized coping intervention package for future trials.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 9-12 whose parents are separated or divorced and who exhibit high exposure to interparental conflict.
Not a fit: Children currently in active therapy or with severe mental health issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve coping skills and mental health outcomes for children experiencing parental conflict.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using coping strategies to improve mental health outcomes in children, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * child between ages 9-12 whose parents are separated or divorced * child and one parent are fluent in English * a parent with sufficient contact (i.e., at least 4 overnights and/or 12 daytime visits per month) with child who is willing to complete study assessments and has legal right to give permission for the child to participate in research * child-report of high exposure to IPC (mean Z score ≥ 40th percentile on the two child report measures of IPC; score standardization based on data from 559 youth whose parents participated in an experimental parenting program) * elevated internalizing or externalizing problems (T score in the borderline clinical range according to either child or parent report on the BPM). Exclusion Criteria: * in active therapy * score ≥ 99th percentile on either internalizing and externalizing problems subscale * endorse suicidality (will be ineligible for the study and referred for treatment)
Where this trial is running
Tempe, Arizona
- Arizona State University — Tempe, Arizona, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Karey L O'Hara, PhD — Arizona State University
- Study coordinator: Karey L O'Hara, PhD
- Email: klohara@asu.edu
- Phone: 4807276136
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.