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Cognitive-behavioral treatment of school phobia
1Anxiety Treatment Center at the Center for Psychological Studies, Nova Southeastern University, Coral Springs, FL, USA.
Summary
Cognitive-behavioral therapy and placebo treatments equally improved school attendance and reduced anxiety in children with school phobia. No long-term differences were observed between the groups.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- School phobia significantly impacts children's academic and emotional well-being.
- Effective interventions are crucial for addressing school refusal and associated psychological distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) compared to an attention-placebo control for school phobia.
- To evaluate treatment outcomes in terms of school attendance, anxiety, and depression.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 56 children diagnosed with school phobia.
- Participants received 12 weeks of either CBT or an attention-placebo intervention.
- Pre- and posttreatment assessments included school attendance, self-reported anxiety and depression, and diagnostic status.
Main Results:
- Both CBT and the attention-placebo control effectively improved school attendance.
- Both treatment groups showed significant reductions in self-reported anxiety and depressive symptoms.
- No significant differences between groups were found at follow-up in the subsequent school year.
Conclusions:
- Psychosocial interventions are effective in helping school-phobic children return to school.
- A highly structured cognitive-behavioral approach may not offer superior outcomes compared to traditional supportive methods for school phobia.