Preventing Mental Health Problems In Children: A Population-based Cluster Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,133.00
Summary
14% of Australian children develop mental health problems. As treatment is time and cost intensive, prevention is the ideal model. This can be targeted to ‘at risk’ children, but may stigmatise families and have poor uptake. This project aims to trial whether a population targeted approach embedded in universal prevention performs better than targeted prevention alone, with each approach compared to ‘usual care’. The local and state government partners will ensure sustainability, policy relevanc ....14% of Australian children develop mental health problems. As treatment is time and cost intensive, prevention is the ideal model. This can be targeted to ‘at risk’ children, but may stigmatise families and have poor uptake. This project aims to trial whether a population targeted approach embedded in universal prevention performs better than targeted prevention alone, with each approach compared to ‘usual care’. The local and state government partners will ensure sustainability, policy relevance and uptake if effectiveRead moreRead less
Prevention Of Childhood Anxiety: A Parent-focused Approach, Targeting The School Transition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$60,220.00
Summary
The prevention of mental health problems in young people warrants research. Anxiety is a common problem amongst children, resulting in academic and relationship difficulties across the lifespan. The project investigates the effectiveness of an anxiety prevention strategy designed to optimise school adjustment in anxious and withdrawn preschool aged children making the transition to formal schooling. The intervention is parent-focused. Parents will be taught anxiety management strategies. They wi ....The prevention of mental health problems in young people warrants research. Anxiety is a common problem amongst children, resulting in academic and relationship difficulties across the lifespan. The project investigates the effectiveness of an anxiety prevention strategy designed to optimise school adjustment in anxious and withdrawn preschool aged children making the transition to formal schooling. The intervention is parent-focused. Parents will be taught anxiety management strategies. They will also be taught to decrease the use of overprotective or threat communicative responses, to model and reinforce non-anxious behaviour, and to coach children in active problem solving. The prevention of childhood anxiety will have important cost savings in the long term, relating to reduction in the costs associated with school adjustment difficulties and mental health treatments for children, as well as reductions in distress amongst individuals and their families. If the present program proves successful with children at risk of anxiety, it may have the potential to be offered within the education system as a universal transitional program.Read moreRead less