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Exploring How Effective, Acceptable, and Practical a CBT-Sensory Modulation Approach Is for Supporting Children Aged
Tafadzwa Mavhunga1, Daniel Sutton2, Mandie Foster2
1Freelance private practice therapist.
Insights
A new Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with Sensory Modulation (SM) program effectively reduced childhood anxiety in young children. Most participants no longer met anxiety criteria post-intervention, showing promising results for this age group.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Pediatric Mental Health
Background:
- Childhood anxiety rates are rising globally, particularly post-COVID-19.
- Limited evidence-based interventions exist for children under 7.
- A novel six-session CBT-SM program was developed for children aged 4-7.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the effectiveness of a CBT-SM intervention for childhood anxiety.
- Assess the acceptability and practicality of the intervention delivered via CAMHS.
- Provide accessible anxiety management tools for young children.
Main Methods:
- Single-case experimental design (SCED) with six children (4-7 years old) diagnosed with anxiety.
- Inclusion of children with sensory challenges.
- Psychologist assessments and parent questionnaires at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in anxiety and improved overall functioning observed.
- High acceptability reported by parents and therapists.
- 67% of children no longer met anxiety diagnosis criteria post-intervention and at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- The CBT-SM intervention shows preliminary effectiveness for childhood anxiety.
- The program is acceptable and practical for delivery in community mental health services.
- This approach offers a viable option for managing anxiety in young children.
Background:
Childhood anxiety is an increasing concern globally, with rates rising significantly following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are relatively few evidence-based interventions specifically designed to directly target and involve younger children under 7 years old. To address this gap, a six-session manualised programme was developed to assist children aged 4-7 in managing their anxiety. The programme integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with Sensory Modulation (SM) strategies, providing simple and practical tools to aid young children in coping with anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, acceptability, and practicality of this CBT-SM intervention when delivered through community-based child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).
Methods:
A single-case experimental design (SCED) was employed, involving six children diagnosed with anxiety across two sites. At least three children were reported to have sensory challenges. A psychologist assessed the children's anxiety at three intervals: at the beginning of the study, after the intervention was completed, and 4 weeks later. Parents also completed questionnaires measuring behavioural issues (both internalising and externalising) and the impact of anxiety on daily life at baseline, prior to treatment, and after treatment.
Results:
The study revealed significant reductions in anxiety and improvements in overall functioning. Both parents and therapists reported the programme as acceptable. Notably, four out of six children (67%) no longer met the criteria for an anxiety diagnosis following the intervention and at follow-up.
Conclusions:
These findings provide preliminary support for the effectiveness, acceptability, and practicality of this innovative CBT-SM approach in assisting young children in managing anxiety.
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