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Updated: Dec 18, 2025

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
Published on: September 12, 2014
Indicated prevention interventions for anxiety in children and adolescents: a review and meta-analysis of
Siobhan Hugh-Jones1, Sophie Beckett2, Ella Tumelty2
1School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK. s.hugh-jones@leeds.ac.uk.
Abstract:
Anxiety disorders are among the most common youth mental health disorders. Early intervention can reduce elevated anxiety symptoms. School-based interventions exist but it is unclear how effective targeted approaches are for reducing symptoms of anxiety. This review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness of school-based indicated interventions for symptomatic children and adolescents. The study was registered with PROSPERO [CRD42018087628]. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library for randomised-controlled trials comparing indicated programs for child and adolescent (5-18 years) anxiety to active or inactive control groups. Data were extracted from papers up to December 2019. The primary outcome was efficacy (mean change in anxiety symptom scores). Sub-group and sensitivity analyses explored intervention intensity and control type. We identified 20 studies with 2076 participants. Eighteen studies were suitable for meta-analysis. A small positive effect was found for indicated programs compared to controls on self-reported anxiety symptoms at post-test (g = - 0.28, CI = - 0.50, - 0.05, k = 18). This benefit was maintained at 6 (g = - 0.35, CI = - 0.58, - 0.13, k = 9) and 12 months (g = - 0.24, CI = - 0.48, 0.00, k = 4). Based on two studies, > 12 month effects were very small (g = - 0.01, CI = - 0.38, 0.36). No differences were found based on intervention intensity or control type. Risk of bias and variability between studies was high (I2 = 78%). Findings show that school-based indicated programs for child and adolescent anxiety can produce small beneficial effects, enduring for up to 12 months. Future studies should include long-term diagnostic assessments.
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