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Written by Amaya Rodriguez McGregor | Research Volunteer | TBYM UK
When we think of mental health we often picture adults. We associate the burdens and responsibilities that come with age, with the mental issues we face on a large scale. However, with half of these adulthood mental health issues seeing an onset within childhood before the age of 14, it is vital to address children’s mental health (Perdue, 2024). When these issues are ignored from an early age, they become increasingly difficult to tackle once carried-over into adulthood. Becoming more highly integrated and established in combination with their associated habitual behaviours. (Kieling et al., 2011). However, research points to therapeutic, school-based, combined approaches and digital interventions paving the way in terms of support. Promising hope for this evident issue of neglect within the field of mental health in children. As well as these avenues, preventative methods are also explored as a means of tackling the issue, though further research is required.
Mental Health Support for Children - What does the research say?
The Therapeutic Route
Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT)
What is it: Therapeutic method that incorporates the parents of clinically depressed children.
The study: 18 week programme for children between the ages of 3 and 7. Used an adapted version of the PCIT, adding emotion focussed sessions. (Luby et al., 2018)
Study results: Decreased depression rates and gravity of symptoms.
Importance of prompt intervention: Therapy was most effective on the children who began therapy immediately and as opposed to those who were required to wait for treatment. If depression continued following the therapeutic programme, it was less acute.
Benefits of this approach: Psychiatrists are unnecessary for delivery, making this an accessible method.
Music Therapy
What is it: The use of music for psychological benefit and purposes.
The study: Most large scale study in its field to date, cohort of 251 children and adolescents being treated for developmental, emotional or behavioural issues. 128 were assigned to traditional therapy approaches, 123 were assigned to music therapy treatment. (Queen's University, Belfast, 2014)
Study results: Significant decrease in depression as well as enhanced self-esteem when compared to treatment without the use of music therapy.
The study’s results: Preliminary findings point to these positive outcomes persisting over time.
School-based Interventions
Examples: 'Positive Behaviour Interventions and Support’ (PBIS) and ‘FRIENDS’ are existing programmes introduced for mental health services like social support, anxiety reduction and stress and emotion regulation.
What the research says: By collecting data from existing programme use, results suggest a moderate to strong fostering of positive mental health and associated consequences in children. Meta-analysis including 50,000 children, supports school-based mental health programmes effectiveness. For example, studies on ‘FRIENDS’ found resultant reduced anxiety. Though originally created for preventative use. (Sanchez et al., 2018)
Benefits: Delivered by teachers and professionals. Element of ease and comfort through administration by familiar figures.
Benefits: Cost effective and combats issues regarding travel to site of support method such as a therapist office.
Other Interventions
Integrated Mental Health and Medical Treatment Interventions
What the research says: 66% increased likelihood of beneficial mental health outcomes. (Asarnow et al., 2015)
Integrated Mental and Behavioural Interventions
What the research says: 66% improvement in beneficial mental health outcomes in comparison to those receiving regular care. (The Brofenbrenner Center for Translational Research, 2018)
A Combined approach seems to be most beneficial.
Video Game Intervention
What is it: Digital mental health games to be used on digital devices. Aimed towards ADHD, anxiety and depression intervention. Some depression and anxiety games use psychotherapeutic methods, translated into a game layout.
The study: cohort of 6-17 years old, 2911 participants over 27 trials, exposed to gamified digital mental health interventions. (Bryant, Sisk and McGuire, 2024)
Results: ADHD and depression oriented games moderately decreased symptoms. Lowering levels of sadness and enhancing prolonged attention ability.
Note* Elements such as restricted use and gender (majority participants = boys), improved effectiveness of results.
Video game interventions are proposed as a useful initial source of action and support when in the process of seeking additional support for children. This specific evidence has not found effective results for anxiety.
Benefits: An attractive and palatable format by which children can integrate mental health support
Preventative Methods
Sleep
Sleeping is necessary for brain health and organisation. Quantity of sleep is found to impact depression and anxiety. Consequently, it is increasingly crucial for children whose brains are still in the process of development. Sleep studies suggest that parents should implement and foster a beneficial sleep schedule for their children to protect their mental health. (Cheng et al., 2020)
Team Sports
Children involved in group sport have seen improved mental health and lower stress levels at youth and adolescence. (Jewett et al., 2014). Speculatively, this may be due to the increased opportunity for connection and social involvement and support from peers as well as the benefits of bodily movement.
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