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[Anxiety prevention among schoolchildren].
C A Essau1, J Conradt, E M Ederer
1University of Surrey Roehampton, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, London.
Versicherungsmedizin
|October 19, 2004
Summary
The German FRIENDS programme effectively teaches children coping strategies for anxiety. High satisfaction and engagement were reported by children and parents, with relaxation and positive thinking skills proving most beneficial.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Mental Health Interventions
- Anxiety Prevention
Background:
- Anxiety disorders are a significant concern in schoolchildren.
- Prevention and early intervention programs are crucial for managing childhood anxiety.
- The FRIENDS programme offers strategies for coping with anxiety and challenging situations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the social validity of the German version of the FRIENDS programme.
- To assess children's and parents' satisfaction with the program.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of specific coping strategies taught in the program.
Main Methods:
- A large-scale study involving 208 schoolchildren aged 9-12 years.
- Data collection on program satisfaction, attendance, and homework completion.
- Assessment of perceived usefulness of different coping skills and correlation with clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Children and parents reported high satisfaction with the German FRIENDS programme.
- High rates of attendance and homework completion were observed.
- Relaxation exercises and thinking helpful thoughts were rated as most useful skills.
- Treatment acceptability significantly correlated with positive clinical outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The German FRIENDS programme demonstrates strong social validity and acceptability among schoolchildren.
- The program's focus on relaxation and cognitive strategies appears effective.
- Findings support the use of the FRIENDS programme for anxiety prevention in German-speaking school settings.