Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2025

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
Published on: September 12, 2014
State and trait anxiety in children with incontinence and their parents
Justine Hussong1, Alisha Rosenthal1, Annelie Bernhardt1
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 39072Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Germany.
Background:
Maternal anxiety increases the risk for incontinence in children. The aim was to analyze anxiety in children with incontinence and their parents before (t1) and after 6 months of incontinence treatment (t2).
Methods:
40 children with incontinence and 40 controls completed the State-trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, their parents the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the State-trait Anxiety Inventory at baseline (t1) and 6 months later (follow-up, t2). Psychiatric disorders were assessed by a standardized parental diagnostic interview (Kinder-DIPS), IQ was tested by a one-dimensional test. All children were neurologically examined. Children with incontinence underwent a guideline-based treatment during the 6 months.
Results:
At baseline, child and parental state and trait anxiety scores, as well as all CBCL scores were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group. At t2, parental anxiety, CBCL scores, and child trait anxiety were significantly higher in patients versus controls, whereas child state anxiety decreased, and parental state anxiety increased from t1 to t2.
Conclusions:
Incontinence and anxiety are associated. While state anxiety decreases, trait anxiety can remain stable over time. Higher levels of anxiety can influence incontinence treatment and should be assessed in every patient.
Related Concept Videos
Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Anal
Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Social Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Trait and State Self-Esteem

