A Meta-Analysis of Universal School-Based Prevention Programs for Anxiety and Depression in Children

Abstract

Anxiety and depression are among the most common mental health issues experienced in childhood. Implementing school-based prevention programs during childhood, rather than adolescence, is thought to provide better mental health outcomes. The present meta-analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy of universal school-based prevention programs that target both anxiety and depression in children (aged 13 years or below), and examine three moderators (i.e., program type, primary target of program, and number of sessions) on prevention effects. PsycINFO, PubMED, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for relevant articles published up to and including January 2018. Fourteen randomised controlled trials, consisting of 5970 children, met eligibility criteria. Prevention programs led to significantly fewer depressive symptoms at post-program (g = 0.172) and at long-term follow-up periods (g = 0.180), but not at short-term follow-up. Programs were not found to prevent anxiety symptoms across any time point. Considerable heterogeneity was observed for all effects. Program type and length were found to moderate the relationship between prevention program and outcomes. Prevention programs were effective in preventing depressive symptoms at post-program and long-term follow-up, while no significant preventative effect on anxiety symptoms was observed. The FRIENDS Program and programs which contained a greater number of sessions showed beneficial effects on anxiety and depressive symptoms. Universal programs aimed at preventing both anxiety and depression in children are limited. Future research should investigate the long-term evaluation of school-based prevention programs for anxiety and depression in children.

A pilot investigation of universal school‐based prevention programs for anxiety and depression symptomology in children: A randomized controlled trial

“…To date, only a small number of studies have aimed to prevent both anxiety and depression in children simultaneously (e.g., Ehrenreich‐May & Bilek, 2011; Lowry‐Webster et al, 2001; Pophillat et al, 2016). A meta‐analysis conducted by Johnstone et al (2018) found that these studies tend to show small effects for reducing and preventing depressive symptoms; however, there is less consistency regarding the reduction in anxiety symptoms. It should be noted that universal prevention programs measure outcomes from a whole population, many of whom would not be at risk of developing psychological disorders.…”

A pilot and feasibility study of a cognitive behavioural therapy-based anxiety prevention programme for junior high school students in Japan: a quasi-experimental study

“…Furthermore, in the present study, the number of sessions was reduced from 10 to seven in view of the fact that junior high school students have a higher level of understanding than elementary school students. However, a meta-analysis of research on universal school-based preventive interventions [44] shows that the greater the number of sessions, the larger the effect; thus, it is probable that the negative outcome in the present study may be partially attributable to this reduction of the number of sessions.…”

Vaterschaft und Psychopathologie

“…Wichtig wäre also, der breiten Öffentlichkeit die Wirksamkeit von Psychotherapie zu vermitteln und psychische Erkrankungen vor allem bei Männern zu entstigmatisieren. Zum anderen könnten heranwachsende Generationen durch den breiten Einbezug von Präventionsprogrammen in Schulen früh über psychische Gesundheit informiert und in ihren emotionalen Kompetenzen gestärkt werden (siehe [18] für eine Übersicht über deren Wirksamkeit). Auch für Kinder von Eltern mit psychischen Erkrankungen existieren wirksame Präventionsprogramme [19].…”