Gamified Instrumental Musical Training to Enhance Resilience of Underprivileged School-aged Children at Risk of Mental Health Problems: A Randomised Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of a group-based gamified instrumental musical training on underprivileged school-aged children aged 8 to 12 who are at risk of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. This multi-centre randomized controlled trial aims to enhance resilience as the primary outcome, while also reducing psychological distress, improving self-esteem, and quality of life over a 12-month follow-up period. The study is designed to address the negative impact of child poverty on mental and psychosocial well-being, offering a novel approach to support vulnerable children. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive weekly one-hour sessions of gamified musical training for six months, delivered in small groups by certified musicians, focusing on keyboard or ukulele instruments based on preference. The training will include music skills, improvisation, rhythm exercises, and resilience concepts integrated through gamified activities. The control group will take part in weekly one-hour group indoor community leisure activities such as drawing, drama workshops, film screenings, and exercise classes for six months. Throughout the study, assessments will be conducted at baseline, immediately after intervention at six months, and at nine and twelve months post-intervention. Validated questionnaires will measure resilience, depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-esteem, and quality of life. Researchers will monitor changes from baseline to 12 months, focusing on resilience as the primary outcome. The total participation duration includes the six-month intervention and six months of follow-up, with data collected by trained staff at multiple time points.

Musical Training to Enhance Resilience of Underprivileged School-aged Children