Who Benefits Most? Predictors of Treatment Response in Group Interventions for Children's Emotional Disorders

Numerous studies have demonstrated that Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective in treating emotional disorders in children and adolescents. Over the years, various group interventions have proven successful in reducing symptomatology, both in anxiety-focused programs and transdiagnostic approaches. However, few studies have identified the factors that influence the effectiveness of these interventions, particularly in a group setting. Identifying predictors of treatment response is crucial for better tailoring interventions to children's needs, yet existing findings are limited and often inconsistent. This study examines predictors of treatment response in a sample of 61 children (M = 9.57, SD = 1.52) who received either the Unified Protocol for Children in a blended format (UP-C) or the Coping Cat group intervention. Treatment response, assessed through reductions in child-reported anxiety and depressive symptoms from pre- to post-treatment, indicated that higher levels of interference in the child's daily life at pre-intervention and receiving the UP-C predicted better therapeutic outcomes. When improvement was based on reductions in parent-reported anxiety and depressive symptoms, factors such as child age and parents' pre-treatment depressive symptoms emerged as predictors of better outcomes. Finally, parental involvement, as rated by the psychologist, was the strongest predictor of improvement based on the clinician's report. These findings suggest that group interventions are particularly beneficial for older children experiencing greater symptom interference and whose parents are more actively engaged in treatment, highlighting the importance of developing tailored approaches for younger children and families with lower levels of involvement.