Evaluating the effectiveness of Growing with Gratitude: A cluster randomised controlled trial in Australian primary schools

Abstract

Growing with Gratitude (GWG) is a universal prevention program based on positive psychology that aims to prevent anxiety and depression in primary-school-aged children. The mental health of children is a key concern for schools as it has an extensive impact in all areas of life. A cluster randomised controlled trial was implemented in nine primary schools (including 27 classes, n = 537 students) in South Australia to evaluate the program. Classrooms were randomly allocated to either a waitlist control or to the GWG program. Students’ anxiety and depression and wellbeing were measured as outcomes at five time points (baseline, mid-program, post-intervention, and 6-month and 12-month follow-up). There were no significant differences for primary or secondary outcomes between the conditions at any time point. Implementation fidelity was poor across the trial. The GWG program did appear to have some impact on children with clinically significant levels of anxiety and depression at baseline. These findings highlight challenges with implementing prevention programs in primary schools and provide suggestions for future research.