Understanding children's emotions in therapy

Biobehavioural Regulation of Negative Emotion as a Transdiagnostic Mechanism of Children's Psychotherapy

NA · University of Guelph · NCT05637320

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

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment202 (estimated)
Ages8 Years to 15 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Guelph (other)
Locations2 sites (Guelph, Ontario and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05637320 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 8 to 15 who are seeking treatment for anxiety, depression, or disruptive behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients with active suicidality, psychosis, or cognitive impairments that prevent participation may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Guelph, Ontario and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorder, Mood Disorders, Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Regulation, Emotion, Child Behavior Disorders, Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.