An Intervention Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Childhood Separation Anxiety: A Case Study.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Child Psychiatry
• Behavioral Therapy

Background:

• Childhood separation anxiety is a prevalent disorder impacting children and families.
• Parental involvement is crucial for effective pediatric mental health interventions.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a framework for enhancing psychological flexibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate the application of ACT for a child with separation anxiety and his mother.
• To assess the impact of ACT on the child's symptoms and adaptive behaviors.
• To evaluate the effect of ACT on parental psychological flexibility and life satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A case study design involving a 12-year-old boy and his mother.
• Implementation of 23 sessions of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
• Assessment of child's experiential avoidance, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and value-oriented actions.
• Evaluation of mother's psychological flexibility and life satisfaction.

Main Results:

• The intervention significantly reduced the child's experiential avoidance, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
• Value-oriented actions increased in the child following the ACT intervention.
• The mother demonstrated improved psychological flexibility and life satisfaction.
• Positive outcomes were sustained at a three-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• ACT is a feasible and effective intervention for childhood separation anxiety when parents are involved.
• Simultaneous parental engagement enhances treatment outcomes in pediatric anxiety disorders.
• Findings provide guidance for adapting ACT for family-based and child mental health treatment.