Comparative randomized trial addressing childhood emotional problems: Computerized vs. traditional transdiagnostic...

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Intervention Science

Background:

• Super Skills for Life is a cognitive-behavioral, transdiagnostic intervention for preventing childhood emotional problems.
• It has shown positive outcomes globally in various formats over the last decade.
• This study compares two individual delivery methods: a traditional, multimedia-enriched version and a fully computerized version.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of the traditional and computerized individual modalities of the Super Skills for Life program.
• To assess short-term outcomes in indicated prevention of childhood emotional problems.

Main Methods:

• A comparative randomized effectiveness trial involving 109 children aged 8-12 years.
• Participants were randomly assigned to either the traditional (n=54) or computerized (n=51) group.
• Pre- and post-intervention assessments used emotional problem measures completed by children and parents.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and anxiety-related life interference, according to parent reports.
• Children's self-reports indicated general improvements across all measures.
• Generalized Estimating Equations analysis suggested marginally superior improvements in the traditional group.

Conclusions:

• The study provides promising results for both the computerized and traditional individual formats of the Super Skills for Life program.
• These interventions show potential for the indicated prevention of childhood emotional problems.
• Limitations include the lack of follow-up and varied participant regions.