Therapy for Parents of Children with Mental Health Issues
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Emotion Focused Family Therapy for Parents of Children With Mental Health Difficulties
This study is testing a 6-week therapy program for parents of kids aged 7 to 15 with anxiety, depression, or behavior issues to see if it helps improve their family relationships and overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Years to 15 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Guelph Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Guelph, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05603000 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of a 6-week Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) program designed for parents of children aged 7 to 15 who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems. Families will be randomly assigned to either the EFFT intervention group or a waitlist control group. The study aims to assess improvements in both parent and child functioning, as well as the quality of the parent-child relationship, with follow-up assessments conducted four months after the intervention to determine the sustainability of any benefits. The trial will also explore factors that may influence treatment outcomes, such as parental stress.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are parents of children aged 7 to 15 years old who are facing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues.
Not a fit: Patients with severe mental health disorders or those currently receiving intensive psychological interventions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly enhance the emotional and behavioral functioning of children, while also improving family dynamics.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise for Emotion Focused Family Therapy in improving family dynamics and child mental health outcomes, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Parent of child aged 7 to 15 years old with anxiety, depression, or behavioural challenges * Parent of child is willing to participate in intervention * Parent is living at home with the child Exclusion Criteria: * Parent or child not proficient enough in speaking/understanding English to complete measures or EFFT intervention components * Parent or child with a severe mental health disorder (e.g., active suicidality and psychosis) is not considered suitable for the trial intervention due to the clinical need for immediate intervention * Parent or child is actively receiving, or due to receive, intensive psychological intervention focused on cognitive and/or behavioural strategies to intervene with emotional or behavioural difficulties * Parent or child has any disabilities in language, speech or hearing that would interfere with their completion of the EFFT and measures * Parent or child are allergic to adhesive electrode gel use in some tasks (i.e., sodium chloride)
Where this trial is running
Guelph, Ontario
- Maplewoods Centre for Family Therapy and Child Psychology, University of Guelph — Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kristel Thomassin, Ph.D — University of Guelph
- Study coordinator: Kristel Thomassin, Ph.D
- Email: kristel.thomassin@uoguelph.ca
- Phone: 519-824-4120
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.