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Short Research Article: Changes in life functioning in a self-help, online program for child and adolescent anxiety
Arlen K Rowe1,2, Jocelyn L Evans1, Caroline L Donovan3
1School of Psychology & Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Qld, Australia.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health
|January 18, 2023
Summary
Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) improved anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents. However, only children showed reduced life interference, suggesting adolescents may need more iCBT sessions to overcome functional impairment.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Digital Health
Background:
- Anxiety-related functional impairment, or life interference, is a critical but understudied treatment outcome.
- Evaluating life interference is essential for assessing the effectiveness of internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine changes in life interference and anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents using the BRAVE Self-Help iCBT program.
- To determine if iCBT effectively reduces functional impairment in young populations.
Main Methods:
- A single-group, pre-post study design was employed.
- Participants included 1198 children (mean age 9.66) and 721 adolescents (mean age 13.66).
- The BRAVE Self-Help program in Australia was utilized.
Main Results:
- Both children and adolescents demonstrated significant improvements in anxiety symptoms.
- Children showed reductions in life interference, particularly with later program completion.
- Adolescents did not exhibit significant reductions in life interference; some even showed increased interference if they completed fewer sessions.
Conclusions:
- iCBT is effective for reducing anxiety symptoms in both children and adolescents.
- Adolescents may require a greater number of iCBT sessions to overcome persistent life interference linked to avoidance behaviors.
- Further research into tailoring iCBT duration for adolescents is warranted.
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