Wise Girls Workshop Study

This mix-methods design proposal evaluates the preliminary effectiveness and acceptability of the existing and ongoing Wise Girls Workshop, a no-cost therapist-led universal prevention group program for child mental health and wellbeing facilitated by Nicklaus Children's Hospital Department of Psychology. The proposed study aims to assess the feasibility, preliminary effectiveness, and satisfaction of the Wise Girls Workshop including how client factors influence implementation. 

Inclusion Criteria

(A) Be 11-14 years old. JUSTIFICATION: Peri-puberty is associated with dynamic changes in emotion that lead to escalating symptoms of emotional disorders. Therefore, to inform future prevention efforts, we focus on this age range.
(B) Be able to understand and communicate in English and have a parent or legal guardian who is able to understand and communicate in English or Spanish. JUSTIFICATION: Key components of the group are normed in English, making it necessary that youth speak English. Consent documents and questionnaires that parents complete regarding their children are available in both English and Spanish.
(C) Be female. JUSTIFICATION: Wise Girls Workshop program was developed for female youth.
(D) Participate in Nicklaus Children's Hospital Department of Psychology Wise Girls Workshop. JUSTIFICATION: Study aims to evaluate the program, therefore youth must participate in the Wise Girls Workshop.
All parents/legal guardians/care givers enrolled in this study will:
(A) Be the biological parent of the child, a court-appointed legal guardian, or a caregiver with legal documentation confirming their authority to make decision on behalf of the youth participant. JUSTIFICATION: Informed consent requires parent/legal guardian/caregiver.

Exclusion Criteria

(A) Show likelihood and/or serious intent of hurting themselves. JUSTIFICATION: These individuals require intervention such that participation is against the best interests of the youth. If a child expresses at any point during screening or assessment that they have thoughts of harming themselves or others, Drs. Giusto, Villani-Capo, and/or Rivero-Conil will further evaluate the child with regard to the likelihood and seriousness of risk.
(B) Have not been living with a primary caregiver for at least 6 months who is legally able to give consent for the child’s participation. JUSTIFICATION: Informed consent requires current legal guardian.
(C) Be a victim of previously undisclosed abuse requiring investigation or ongoing supervision by the Department of children and Families. JUSTIFICATION: These circumstances require specific intervention and/or monitoring of safety that is outside of the scope of the current study procedures and therefore against the best interests of the participants.