My-CATS: Minimising Young Children’s Anxiety Through Schools

Anxiety disorders are common and often begin early, yet preventive interventions are not widely accessible or well targeted, particularly for young children at risk (for example, those with inhibited temperament, anxiety symptoms or parental anxiety problems). Key gaps remain in identifying who benefits most from prevention, how these interventions work and whether scalable approaches can be delivered cost‑effectively.

This study addresses these gaps through a school‑based cluster randomised trial evaluating a supported online parent‑led CBT intervention for children aged 4–7 years at risk of anxiety problems, compared with usual practice. The primary aim is to reduce later anxiety disorders, while also determining moderators, mediators and, crucially, the cost‑effectiveness of implementing this approach at scale.

Funder: Kavli Trust

See project website for more.