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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Study protocol

Preventing anxiety problems in children with Cool Little Kids Online: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Authors: Amy J. Morgan, Ronald M. Rapee, Elli Tamir, Nahal Goharpey, Agus Salim, Lauren F. McLellan, Jordana K. Bayer

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health problem and begin early in life. Early intervention to prevent anxiety problems in young children who are at risk has the potential for long-term impact. The ‘Cool Little Kids’ parenting group program was previously established to prevent anxiety disorders in young children at risk because of inhibited temperament. This group program was efficacious in two randomised controlled trials and has recently been adapted into an online format. ‘Cool Little Kids Online’ was developed to widen and facilitate access to the group program’s preventive content. A pilot evaluation of the online program demonstrated its perceived utility and acceptability among parents. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Cool Little Kids Online in a large randomised controlled trial.

Methods/Design

Parents of young children who are 3–6 years old and who have an inhibited temperament will be recruited (n = 385) and randomly assigned to either immediate access to Cool Little Kids Online or delayed access after a waiting period of 24 weeks. The online program contains eight modules that help parents address key issues in the development of anxiety problems in inhibited children, including children’s avoidant coping styles, overprotective parenting behaviours, and parents’ own fears and worries. Intervention participants will be offered clinician support when requested. The primary outcome will be change in parent-reported child anxiety symptoms. Secondary outcomes will be child internalising symptoms, child and family life interference due to anxiety, over-involved/protective parenting, plus child anxiety diagnoses assessed by using a new online diagnostic tool. Assessments will take place at baseline and 12 and 24 weeks after baseline.

Discussion

This trial expands upon previous research on the Cool Little Kids parenting group program and will evaluate the efficacy of online delivery. Online delivery of the program could result in an easily accessible evidence-based resource to help families with young children at temperamental risk for anxiety disorders.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry 12615000217505 (registered 5 March 2015)

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Preventing anxiety problems in children with Cool Little Kids Online: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Amy J. Morgan
Ronald M. Rapee
Elli Tamir
Nahal Goharpey
Agus Salim
Lauren F. McLellan
Jordana K. Bayer
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Trials / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-015-1022-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Preventing anxiety problems in children with Cool Little Kids Online: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Methods/Design

Discussion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods/Design

Discussion

Trial registration

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