MyFILM: A Pilot Study for Social-Emotional Learning in Clinical Youth

MyFILM: A Pilot Study for Social Emotional Learning in Clinical Youth

The objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of MyFILM as a weekly group intervention for children aged 9-12 in a clinical setting. We will also gather preliminary data to explore changes in clinical metrics following participation in MyFILM in preparation for a full-scale clinical trial.

Primary Objective (Feasibility): To determine whether a substantial proportion of participants complete the MyFILM intervention.

Primary Objective (Acceptability): To determine whether the MyFILM intervention is acceptable to 9-12-year-old participants in a clinical setting.

Secondary Objective (Clinical Effectiveness): To determine whether participation in MyFILM show preliminary evidence of improvement in social-emotional skills, coping ability, and reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms.

Participants will:

Participate in 9 sessions of a structured group-based program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Be between 9 and 12 years of age at enrollment
• Be receiving outpatient care through Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
• Demonstrate elevated risk (first-degree relative with a mental illness, experiencing a major life stressor as judged by the treating physician and investigator), subclinical symptoms (symptoms of a mood and/or anxiety disorder that do not meet the threshold of a clinical diagnosis), or diagnosed mood and/or anxiety-related concerns
• Be able to participate in group-based discussions and activities in English
• Have parent/guardian consent and participant assent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Have active psychosis or mania
• Have severe cognitive, developmental, and/or behavioural limitations preventing meaningful participation