Introduction
The increasing prevalence of anxiety among children and adolescents, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, has underscored the urgent need for effective mental health interventions. A recent study titled "Assessing the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness of a School-Aged Program that Supports Physical Activity and Wellness" offers promising insights into addressing this challenge through school-based programs.
Understanding the Study
Conducted by researchers Stephanie R. Lebby, Amanda Myers, Andrew R. Bohm, and Karen L. Fortuna, this study explores the "We R H.O.P.E." program. This initiative focuses on providing school-based mental health support through individualized coaching sessions that integrate evidence-based principles such as emotional regulation and the emotional CPR (eCPR) method.
Key Findings
- Feasibility and Acceptability: The study found that the program was feasible and acceptable, with coaches able to deliver the intervention with fidelity. However, data collection procedures need refinement to ensure higher completion rates of pre and post-measures.
- Preliminary Effectiveness: A significant reduction in anxiety levels was observed among participants, as measured by the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. The mean GAD-7 score decreased from 10.2 at baseline to 6.7 after 90 days.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners in the field of speech-language pathology and related disciplines, these findings highlight the potential of school-based programs to effectively address anxiety in children and adolescents. By integrating non-clinical, evidence-based interventions within the school setting, practitioners can enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of mental health support.
Recommendations for Implementation
To optimize the impact of such programs, practitioners should consider the following strategies:
- Collaboration: Work closely with school administrators, social workers, and teachers to ensure a holistic approach to mental health support.
- Training and Supervision: Provide ongoing training and supervision for coaches to maintain fidelity to evidence-based practices.
- Data Collection: Implement strategies to improve data collection, such as offering incentives and simplifying post-measure assessments.
Conclusion
The "We R H.O.P.E." program demonstrates the potential of school-based interventions to significantly reduce anxiety levels among children and adolescents. As practitioners, embracing such evidence-based approaches can lead to improved mental health outcomes and foster a supportive environment for young learners.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Assessing the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness of a School-Aged Program that Supports Physical Activity and Wellness.
