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Cool Kids

An Evidence-Based Practice

Description

The Cool Kids program applies cognitive behavior therapy to teach methods of managing their anxiety to children who have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. During the 10-week program, children learn a variety of skills, including linking thoughts and feelings, problem solving, self-rewarding, dealing with teasing, and being assertive. Parents also participate in the program to learn about different ways to interact with their children, and are given worksheets, summaries, and guides for helping their children practice behavioral techniques at home.

Goal / Mission

To teach children and parents how to manage anxiety disorders.

Results / Accomplishments

A study covering the three months after program conclusion found that the number of anxiety disorder diagnoses was significantly lower among children who participated in the Cool Kids program than both non-participants and participants in an alternative therapy program (Rapee et. al 2006). Another study, which followed participants for three years after completing the program, found that mothers of Cool Kids participants reported significantly fewer anxiety symptoms than mothers of other children in the study (p=0.008). Cool Kids participants self-reported fewer anxiety symptoms at 36 months as well, although the difference was not as statistically significant (p=0.051). (Hudson et. al 2008)

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Macquarie University Centre for Emotional Health - Emotional Health Clinic
Primary Contact
Ron Rapee
Macquarie University Anxiety Research Unit
Department of Psychology
Macquarie University
Sydney, NSW. 2109
Ron.Rapee@mq.edu.au
http://www.centreforemotionalhealth.com.au/pages/e...
Topics
Health / Children's Health
Health / Mental Health & Mental Disorders
Organization(s)
Macquarie University Centre for Emotional Health - Emotional Health Clinic
Source
Child Trends
Date of publication
2010
Location
Australia
For more details
http://www.emotionalhealthclinic.com.au/pages/cool...
http://www.childtrends.org/?programs=cool-kids-pro...
Target Audience
Children, Families

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  1. Mental Health: Targeted School-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Programs to Reduce Depression and Anxiety Symptoms
  2. Mental Health: Universal School-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Programs to Reduce Depression and Anxiety Symptoms
  3. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

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Related Content for: Cool Kids

An Evidence-Based Practice meets the following HCI criteria:

  1. The program description includes at a minimum: the sponsoring organization, program goals, program implementation steps, and outcomes that have demonstrated program success in achieving the program goal in one or more localities.
  2. The results from an evaluation of the program include quantitative measures showing improvement in the outcome(s) of interest after the implementation of the program (i.e. increase in smoking cessation, not just the delivery of a smoking cessation program). The outcome measure(s) is/are compared at relevant time periods before and after the intervention or program implementation. Alternatively, the evaluation study compares the outcome(s) between an intervention group and an appropriate control group.
  3. The study is of peer-review quality and presents numbers in a scientific manner; measurements of precision and reliability are included (e.g. confidence intervals, standard errors), results from statistical tests show a significant difference or change in the outcome measure(s), and relevant point estimates and p-values are presented. Note: if the results from an evaluation of a program are presented in a scientific manner and the outcome measure is improved compared to the baseline measurement or the control group but the difference is not statistically significant, the practice is classified as effective and not evidence-based.
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