Prizes for bravery: study tests if rewards ease kids' procedure anxiety

NCT ID NCT06254898

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether offering a prize after a medical procedure can reduce anxiety in children aged 6-17. About 187 kids will get standard support from a child life specialist, and some will also be offered a prize if they meet a coping goal. Researchers will compare anxiety levels between the two groups to see if incentives help.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

incentive prize

What this could lead to

If it works, this could give hospitals a simple, low-cost way to help children feel less anxious during procedures.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study. The effect may be small or not apply to all children. Anxiety is subjective and hard to measure.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz

    RECRUITING

    Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Children's Hospital Colorado North Campus

    RECRUITING

    Broomfield, Colorado, 80023, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Children's Hospital Colorado South Campus

    RECRUITING

    Highlands Ranch, Colorado, 80129, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••