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Updated: Aug 5, 2025

Reducing State Anxiety Using Working Memory Maintenance
Published on: July 19, 2017
Reduction in avoidance mediates effects of brief behavioral therapy for pediatric anxiety and depression
Selena A Baca1, Pauline Goger2, Dale Glaser1
1Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, 6363 Alvarado Court, Suite 200, San Diego, CA, 92120, USA.
Abstract:
Brief behavioral therapy (BBT) is an efficacious transdiagnostic intervention for pediatric anxiety and depression that targets behavioral avoidance as a key mechanism. It is unknown if change in avoidance mediates treatment effects, as theorized. Data on avoidance at baseline and Week 16 were available on 52 youth (ages 8-16 years) from a randomized controlled trial (Weersing, Jeffreys, et al., 2017) comparing BBT and assisted referral to community care (ARC). BBT had significant effects on youth-reported behavioral avoidance, and significant indirect effects on functioning and anxiety, statistically mediated through changes in youth-reported behavioral avoidance. Change in youth-reported avoidance was not a significant mediator of depression. Parent-report of avoidance was not impacted by treatment and was not a significant mediator. Overall, BBT appears to be an effective treatment for targeting behavioral avoidance, which in turn, may improve functioning and lessen anxiety. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov; NCT01147614.
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