The FRIENDS Program

https://www.childtrends.org/programs/friends-program

Initiative Description: Data was collected from the Preventing Anxiety in Children through Education in Schools (PACES) study, a randomized controlled trial comparing the FRIENDS anxiety prevention program with usual school programs. Participants were randomly assigned to the health-led FRIENDS, school-led FRIENDS, and usual school personal, social, and health education (PHSE) lessons. Anxiety decreased in the health-led FRIENDS group compared to the school-led FRIENDS and PSHE groups after 12 months.

Study Results: At 12 months, anxiety reduced in the health‐led FRIENDS group compared to school‐led FRIENDS and PHSE programs.

Reference: Skryabina, E., Taylor, G., & Stallard, P. (2016). Effect of a universal anxiety prevention programme (FRIENDS) on children’s academic performance: Results from a randomised controlled trial. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry,57(11), 1297-1307. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12593

Level of Evidence: Excellent