Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 31, 2025
08:22
Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System ANS Activity in Toddlers - Resting and Developmental Challenges
Published on: February 25, 2016
15.7K
Early intervention for inhibited young children: a randomized controlled trial comparing the Turtle Program and Cool
Andrea Chronis-Tuscano1, Danielle R Novick1, Christina M Danko1
1Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
Summary
The Turtle Program and Cool Little Kids (CLK) both effectively reduce child anxiety and behavioral inhibition (BI). Turtle shows superior improvements in parenting behaviors and benefits parents with social anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Behaviorally inhibited (BI) children face heightened risk for social anxiety.
- Parental behavior and social-emotional competence significantly moderate anxiety risk.
- The Turtle Program integrates parent and child treatment within a peer context, building on developmental-transactional theory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To rigorously compare the efficacy of the Turtle Program against the established Cool Little Kids (CLK) intervention for young children exhibiting high behavioral inhibition (BI).
- To evaluate the impact of both interventions on child anxiety, life interference, BI, and observed parenting behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 151 parent-child dyads (children aged 3.5-5 years) with high BI.
- Participants were randomly assigned to either the Turtle Program or Cool Little Kids (CLK), delivered over 8 weeks in a group format.
- Outcomes, including child anxiety, BI, impairment, and parenting, were assessed at post-treatment and 1-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- Both Turtle and CLK demonstrated significant improvements in child BI, anxiety severity, family accommodation, and impairment.
- The Turtle Program resulted in greater observed warm/engaged parenting and reduced negative control compared to CLK.
- Parental social anxiety moderated treatment outcomes; Turtle showed benefits for children of parents with higher anxiety, particularly regarding BI, and improved parent accommodation.
Conclusions:
- Both Turtle and CLK are effective early interventions for young children with BI.
- The Turtle Program is more effective in enhancing parenting behaviors that influence child anxiety development and maintenance.
- Turtle is particularly recommended for parents with social anxiety, while CLK may be a more efficient option for parents without anxiety.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Operant Conditioning Intervention
222
Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
222
01:30Community Based Intervention
128
Community-based interventions in mental health represent a paradigm shift from institution-centered care to treatments embedded within the fabric of local communities. By prioritizing inclusion and leveraging existing societal structures, this approach fosters a supportive environment conducive to addressing mental health challenges while promoting individual dignity and agency.
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
128