Effectiveness of Traditional and Computerized Versions of Super Skills for Life in Children

Comparative Effectiveness of Traditional and Computerized Versions of the Transdiagnostic Program Super Skills for Life in Children Aged 8-12 Years: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Super Skills for Life (SSL) is a transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral protocol developed for children aged 6 to 12 with anxiety and comorbid problems (e.g., depression, low self-esteem, and lack of social skills).

SSL consists of eight sessions targeting common risk factors for internalizing disorders such as cognitive distortions, avoidance, emotional management, low self-esteem, social skills deficits and coping strategies.

The aim of the study is to investigate the comparative effectiveness of SSL in its traditional and computerized versions on internalizing symptoms in Spanish children between 8 and 12 years of age.

Children will be selected to receive the SSL program based on results on psychometrically robust measurements and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Selected children will be randomly assigned to the conditions of the two intervention groups (traditional and computerized versions of SSL).

Parents and children from the two groups will complete the same measures at baseline and post-treatment. They will also complete these measures at 6 months follow-up, and 12 months follow-up.

Researchers will compare the results of pre-test to post-test assessments in children participating in the traditional and multimedia versions of SSL on depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, interference of anxiety on child's life, self-esteem, social skills, social worries, and cognitive emotional regulation.

The investigators will also assess these variables in the intervention group at 6 months and 12 months follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children aged 8 - 12 years old.
• Presence of emotional symptoms, which will be assessed using the SCAS and the MFQ, parent versions. The cut-off point for inclusion in the study is a score equal to or above 25 on the SCAS and/or equal to or above 20 on the MFQ.
• Speaking, reading, writing and understanding Spanish.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Intellectual disability, behavioral symptoms, or autism spectrum symptoms whose severity precluded continued treatment.
• Being receiving current psychological or pharmacological treatment for anxiety and/or depression.
• Not accepting or revoking informed consent to participate in the study.