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When Attempts to Help Backfire: Psychosocial Interventions that May Inadvertently Prolong Anxiety Among Youth
Erin E Dunning1, Anika N Khan1,2, Emily M Becker-Haimes1,2
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
|April 26, 2025
Summary
Many interventions for childhood anxiety disorders may prolong distress by avoiding fears. Accessible, evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are crucial for effective anxiety management in youth.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Anxiety disorders are prevalent and impairing in youth.
- Established treatments like exposure-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) exist.
- Many current interventions lack empirical support and may worsen anxiety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss popular and emerging psychosocial interventions for anxious youth.
- To highlight interventions that may inadvertently prolong anxiety.
- To advocate for evidence-based approaches in youth mental health.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical commentary grounded in cognitive-behavioral principles.
- Analysis of popular and emerging psychosocial interventions for anxiety in youth.
- Discussion of potential harms associated with non-empirically supported interventions.
Main Results:
- Access to gold-standard CBT for youth anxiety remains challenging.
- Some interventions promote avoidance, hindering self-efficacy and corrective learning.
- Interventions lacking a clear theoretical or evidence base have uncertain benefits.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for accessible, empirically-supported interventions for childhood anxiety.
- Psychosocial interventions must be carefully evaluated to avoid prolonging anxiety.
- Future research, policy, and deployment should prioritize evidence-based practices and mitigate potential harms.
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