Caregiver Mind-Mindedness Training to Alleviate Social Anxiety in Children
This research explores whether helping parents better understand their young child's thoughts and feelings can ease social anxiety in children aged 4 to 7. Called 'Mind-Mindedness' training, it aims to help children feel more secure and less worried in social situations. One hundred parents from the UK and Iran will join, either getting online training or a peer support group. Researchers will check the children's anxiety levels before, right after, and three months later to see if the training makes a difference. The goal is to see if this approach can become a useful way to support children with social anxiety and improve how parents and children connect.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking at a new way to help children aged 4 to 7 who get very shy or worried in social situations, which is also known as social anxiety. The main idea is that if parents or guardians can learn to better understand and respond to their child's feelings, thoughts, and intentions – a skill we call 'Mind-Mindedness' – it could help the child feel safer and less anxious when interacting with others. The researchers think this could improve how children deal with their emotions and social situations in general.
To explore this, the study will involve 100 parents or guardians from the UK and Iran. These participants will be split into two groups by chance. One group will take part in a special online training programme over three sessions, each lasting about an hour. This training will teach them specific ways to make comments that show they understand their child's inner world and to improve their child's emotional understanding. The other group will be a 'peer support' group, where parents can talk to each other online about their experiences with their child's anxiety, but without any structured training.
Throughout the study, the researchers will carefully measure how anxious the children are, how well parents understand their child's mind, and other related factors. These measurements will be taken at the beginning, immediately after the training or support group finishes, and then again three months later. By comparing the results from both groups, the study hopes to find out if the Mind-Mindedness training effectively reduces social anxiety in young children and helps them feel more comfortable in social settings. This research also aims to understand how this approach works across different cultures and could help shape future ways to support children and their families.
Key takeaways
- Targets young children (4-7) with social anxiety.
- Focuses on training parents/guardians, not direct child therapy.
- Compares special 'Mind-Mindedness' training with a peer support group.
- Involves 3 online one-hour sessions for the training group.
- Assessments are done online before, immediately after, and 3 months later.
- Aims to understand if caregiver training reduces child social anxiety.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for parents or guardians (sometimes called 'caregivers') who are aged between 18 and 60 years old. You must be the main person looking after a child between 4 and 7 years old.
Your child needs to show signs of social anxiety. This means they might get very shy, nervous, or worried in social situations. The researchers will use a special check to make sure your child fits this description.
Unfortunately, if your child has another diagnosed condition like autism or ADHD, or if they are already getting other types of help or therapy for their social anxiety, they won't be able to join this particular study. You also need to live in either the United Kingdom or Iran to take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Am I the main caregiver for a child aged 4 to 7?
- Am I personally between 18 and 60 years old?
- Does my child often seem worried or shy in social situations?
- Does my child NOT have a diagnosis like autism or ADHD?
- Is my child NOT currently receiving other therapy for social anxiety?
- Do I live in the United Kingdom or Iran?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups. One group will receive online training: this means you'll have three one-hour sessions online, where you'll learn ways to better understand your child's feelings and thoughts. The other group will join an online support group where you can chat with other parents about their experiences, but without formal training.
Before you start, after the group sessions end, and then again three months later, you'll be asked to complete some questionnaires or tasks. These will help the researchers understand how things have changed for you and your child. All of this will happen online. The total time commitment will involve the three one-hour sessions for the training group, plus time for completing the questionnaires over about a four-month period.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Heriot wattVerified postcodeEdinburgh, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is 'Mind-Mindedness' training?
It's a way for parents to learn how to better understand and respond to their child's thoughts, feelings, and intentions.
How long does the study last?
The online sessions and assessments will take place over approximately four months.
Will my child get direct therapy?
No, this study focuses on training for caregivers, not direct therapy for children.
Is this study available outside the UK or Iran?
Currently, only caregivers living in the United Kingdom or Iran can take part.
Do I have to pay to participate?
No, there are no costs involved in taking part in this research study.
How to find out more
Hiva Javadian Javadian, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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