Anna L. Lock

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric disorders affecting children and adolescents. In the past several decades, great advances have been made in the treatment of these disorders. While many psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments exist, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is currently the treatment approach with the most empirical support. Based on a large evidence-base, several CBT manuals have been developed for the treatment of anxiety disorders in children. While research on incorporating parents into these treatments is mixed, parent involvement is widely recommended in these treatments as well as in unmanualized CBT treatment. Although some self-help books and manual-specific guides for parents exist, there is no current manual that provides parents with information and guidance to facilitate their involvement in both manualized and unmanualized CBT for child anxiety disorders. The current project involved the development of a manual for parents whose children (ages 8-13 years) are involved in CBT treatment for Separation Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobia, and Social Phobia. The resulting manual was informed by a review of the literature on child anxiety, CBT treatments for anxiety, and the roles parents may play in CBT. The manual consists of introductory psychoeducation on anxiety and CBT followed by six chapters on the major components of CBT for anxiety. In addition to descriptions of these components, each chapter includes instructions on how parents can be involved to facilitate their child’s treatment. Following a discussion of strengths, limitations, and potential modifications to the current manual, plans for evaluating the efficacy of the manual as well as disseminating it to parents are described.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Cognitive therapy; Dissertations (PsyD) -- Psychology

Date of Award

2011

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Erhardt, Drew;

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