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

Objective The current study aimed to provide a preliminary evaluation of two universal school‐based prevention programs, Emotion Regulation (ER) and Behavioral Activation (BA), by increasing resilience to manage excessive worry, a transdiagnostic feature across anxiety and depression. Method Primary school children ( N  = 295; 52.5% female; 8–13 years) from five Australian schools were cluster randomized to an ER, BA or usual class control condition. Outcome measures included resilience, worry, anxiety, and depression symptomology; ER and BA were measured as potential mediators. Participants completed measures at pre‐ and postprogram, and at 6‐month follow‐up. Results Children in the BA condition showed increased resilience at 6 months. Expressive suppression mediated the effects of both programs on worry. Conclusion The current study aimed to provide a preliminary evaluation of two universal school‐based prevention programs, ER and BA, by increasing resilience to manage excessive worry, a transdiagnostic feature across anxiety and depression.