Design and Usability Testing of a Novel Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) Software Platform for Children with Anxiety.

Background: Anxiety disorders are common in childhood, yet access to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often limited. Internet-delivered CBT (iCBT) can help overcome these barriers, but evidence in younger children remains scarce. This pilot study describes the development and preliminary evalua...

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Publicado en:Children Vol. 12; no. 11; pp. 1535 - 1548
Autores principales: Pera, Maria Carmela, Poli, Caterina, Gnazzo, Martina, Baldini, Valentina, Delsante, Laura, Pacchioni, Marco, Orsini, Mirko, Campana, Beatrice Rita, Diodati, Francesca, Puntoni, Matteo, Maglietta, Giuseppe, Caminiti, Caterina, Esposito, Susanna
Formato: pictorial research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: MDPI Nov2025
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Nov2025
      vid: 12
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      pid: 97109
      pub: MDPI
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        10.3390/children12111535
        189652568
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        atl: Design and Usability Testing of a Novel Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) Software Platform for Children with Anxiety.
      aug:
        au:
          Pera, Maria Carmela
          Poli, Caterina
          Gnazzo, Martina
          Baldini, Valentina
          Delsante, Laura
          Pacchioni, Marco
          Orsini, Mirko
          Campana, Beatrice Rita
          Diodati, Francesca
          Puntoni, Matteo
          Maglietta, Giuseppe
          Caminiti, Caterina
          Esposito, Susanna
        affil: Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
      sug:
        subj:
          Cognitive Therapy Evaluation
          Internet
          Anxiety Therapy
          Software Evaluation
          Caregivers
          Patient Safety
          Human
          Male
          Female
          Child
          Usability Study
          Funding Source
          Italy
          Pilot Studies
          Semi-Structured Interview
          Questionnaires
          Audiorecording
          Thematic Analysis
          Gamification
          Descriptive Statistics
          Telehealth
          Child: 6-12 years
          Male
          Female
      ab: Background: Anxiety disorders are common in childhood, yet access to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often limited. Internet-delivered CBT (iCBT) can help overcome these barriers, but evidence in younger children remains scarce. This pilot study describes the development and preliminary evaluation of an Italian iCBT platform for children with mild to moderate anxiety. Methods: Five children aged 8–12 years and their caregivers were recruited through pediatricians. Eligibility was assessed using the MASC-2 and a psychiatrist interview. Each child completed a supervised session with the WebApp, which delivers CBT modules combining psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, relaxation, and gamified activities. Usability was evaluated using the ita-MAUQ, observation, and interviews. Results: All participants completed the session without dropouts. Mean ita-MAUQ scores were consistently above the midpoint, with the highest ratings for interface design and satisfaction. Children appreciated the interactive, game-like features, while caregivers valued the clarity and practicality of content. Qualitative feedback indicated good comprehensibility and engagement, with suggestions for improving navigation flow and language adaptation. No adverse events occurred. Conclusions: This pilot study supports the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of the new iCBT platform and provides essential insights for its refinement and future large-scale clinical trials.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        pictorial
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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