Understanding children's emotions in therapy
Official title: Biobehavioural Regulation of Negative Emotion as a Transdiagnostic Mechanism of Children's Psychotherapy
Run by University of Guelph · NCT05637320 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new therapy approach for kids aged 8 to 15 with anxiety, depression, trauma, or behavior issues to see if it helps them feel better compared to those who aren't receiving treatment right away.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 8 Years to 15 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 202 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Guelph Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Guelph, Ontario and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 29, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05637320 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 8 to 15 who are seeking treatment for anxiety, depression, or disruptive behaviors.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with active suicidality, psychosis, or cognitive impairments that prevent participation 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 aims to explore how psychotherapy affects children and adolescents aged 8 to 15 who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, or disruptive behaviors. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an evidence-based treatment known as the Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Conduct Problems (MATCH-ADTC) or a waitlist control group. The study will assess treatment response through various measures, including symptom scales and physiological reactivity, while also utilizing machine learning techniques to identify patterns in emotion regulation and treatment outcomes. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of psychotherapy by understanding the mechanisms behind treatment responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved psychotherapy outcomes for children with emotional and behavioral challenges.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using evidence-based psychotherapies for children's mental health, but this approach focuses on a novel mechanism of treatment response.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Child must be between the ages of 8 and 15 years old and have English proficiency * Parents must be over the age of 18 and have English proficiency * Must be seeking psychosocial treatment for concerns related to anxiety, depression, or disruptive behaviours Exclusion Criteria: * Child has low cognitive functioning that would prevent active participation in research tasks * Child reports active suicidality that requiring acute care or hospital intervention * Child meets criteria for psychosis, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, eating disorders or autism spectrum disorders * Child does not assent to participate in the study
Where it's running
-
Maplewoods Centre for Family Therapy and Child Psychology
Guelph, Ontario, Canada Recruiting -
The Centre for Addition and Mental Health
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kristel Thomassin, PhD — University of Guelph
- Study coordinator: Jessica Pun, BA
- Email: punj@uoguelph.ca
- Phone: 519-824-4120
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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.