Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40855496›Full record

ArticleChild and adolescent psychiatry and mental health2025

A school-setting pilot study of the e-learning version of the "Journey of the Brave": a universal anxiety-prevention program based on cognitive behavioral therapy.

Shoichi Ohashi, Yuko Urao, Kazumasa Fujiwara, Takako Koshiba, Shin-Ichi Ishikawa, Eiji Shimizu

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Child and adolescent psychiatry and mental health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Shoichi OhashiResearch Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan. shoichi.o@chiba-u.jp.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0003-1173-7091
Yuko UraoResearch Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.
Kazumasa FujiwaraGraduate School of Education, Hyogo University of Teacher Education, Hyogo, Japan.
Takako KoshibaResearch Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.
Shin-Ichi IshikawaFaculty of Psychology, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan.
Eiji ShimizuResearch Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.

Funding

Japan Science and Technology Agency Support for Pioneering Research Initiated by the Next GenerationJapan Society for the Promotion of Science 21K10934
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundSchool-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs delivered by teachers are effective in preventing anxiety among children. Internet-based CBT has emerged as an efficient method for delivering such interventions. Our previous research demonstrated the feasibility of the e-learning version of Journey of the Brave in reducing anxiety among Japanese elementary school students in a home-based learning environment. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the e-learning version in school settings and to identify any practical implementation issues.

methodsWe conducted a single-arm study with 204 elementary school students aged 10-12 years. Participants completed the e-learning program during regular classroom hours. Of these, 180 students who completed more than 80% of the program and agreed to participate in the study were included in the analysis. We evaluated changes in anxiety symptoms using the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS), alongside learning logs and a post-program satisfaction questionnaire.

resultsThe estimated mean SCAS score, analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model, showed a significant decrease of 2.6 points from pre-intervention to follow-up (p = .04, 95% CI [-5.08, -0.09]). Subgroup analysis revealed a 6.4-point reduction in boys compared to a 0.5-point decrease in girls. In School A, the SCAS score slightly increased by 0.4 points, while in School B, it decreased by 3.1 points. Significant interaction effects were observed between time and gender (p = .03) and between time and school (p = .04). The mean comprehension test score (true/false) was 13.2 out of 16 (SD = 2.2).

conclusionThe Journey of the Brave e-learning version was feasible and well-accepted in school settings. Student self-reports suggested that they may have applied the CBT knowledge and skills in their daily lives. Future studies should explore the contextual factors influencing program effectiveness and determine optimal conditions for its implementation.

trial registrationUMIN, UMIN000057115, Registered February 21, 2025.

Indexed as

Children’s anxietyE-learningGamificationInternet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (I-CBT)Pilot studySchool settingUniversal prevention program

Identifiers

PMID40855496
PMCPMC12376487

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.