Descriptive review of internet-based cognitive behavior therapy on anxiety-related problems in children under the circumstances of COVID-19

Background COVID-19 continues to have a global impact and has yet to converge. Behavioral restrictions in daily life are widespread, forcing changes to the behavioral patterns of people. Significant changes have also occurred in children’s lives, raising concerns about mental health. The same is true for anxiety symptoms. Research In this paper, we described the COVID-19 pandemic effects on mental health, summarized Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) as an applicability of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for COVID-19, and summarized ICBT’s current state as a response for anxiety. An overview of previous intervention studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on ICBT, showed that many studies were highly effective against anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, regarding the follow-up of ICBT’s intervention effect, long-term effect maintenance was also clarified. It was likewise pointed out that ICBT may be used in the future since it is beneficial for children’s anxiety symptoms in telemedicine. Conclusions Based on these results from previous studies, we discuss ICBT’s applicability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, future measures and prospects for children’s mental health during the pandemic are discussed in this study.

Evaluation of the Fun FRIENDS program with a sample of Mexican children

Introduction: Anxiety symptoms in young children can have negative consequences such as the deterioration of family and interpersonal functioning, and may lead to the development of an anxiety disorder; therefore, the importance of prevention. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Fun FRIENDS program in the reduction of children’s anxiety symptoms and the promotion of emotional and behavioral competences as a protective factor in a sample of Mexican children. Methodology: The participants included 49 children from the first grade at elementary school along with their teachers. The program was implemented by teachers as twelve consecutive one-week sessions conducted in the classroom. The outcome was measured with a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design. Measures included the Preschool Anxiety Scale (PAS), for parents, Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale (BERS-2), for parents, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), for parents and teachers. Results: Findings showed a decrease in the subscale of separation anxiety of the PAS, an increase in the interpersonal, intrapersonal and affective strengths subscales of the BERS-2, and an increase in prosocial behavior as measured by the SDQ. Conclusions: Results indicate promise for the effectiveness of the Fun FRIENDS program as an early intervention program based on the promotion of resilience for Mexican children.

Police Involvement in Intimate Partner Violence and Children’s Anxiety Symptoms

This study examined whether police involvement in intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with children’s anxiety symptoms and threat appraisals. Participants were 117 mothers and their children (7-10 years) recruited from domestic violence shelters and followed for 6 months. Mothers reported on IPV and police involvement in the past 6 months; children reported their own anxiety symptoms and threat appraisals. Police involvement in IPV incidents at Time 1 was positively related to children’s anxiety symptoms at both the Time 1 and Time 2 assessments, even after controlling for the severity of the IPV. Police involvement was not associated with children’s threat appraisals. Police involvement in IPV may inadvertently contribute to an increase in children’s anxiety symptoms. Efforts to mitigate adverse outcomes should be investigated.

The factorial structure of the SCARED-R in a Portuguese community sample

Aim To evaluate the three-, four-, five- and nine-factor structures of the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders - revised version (SCARED-R) in a Portuguese sample. We further aimed at assessing the gender and age patterns of anxiety symptoms. Method The Portuguese version of the SCARED-R was administered to a community sample of 1,314 children, aged 10-13 years. Confirmatory factorial analysis and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were employed. Results The five-, four- and three-factor models presented an acceptable fit to the data. An unacceptable fit to the data was obtained for the one-factor model. The refined nine-factor model presented good fit to the data after the removal of items with low factorial weights. Based on theoretical considerations, this nine-factor model was considered the best model for assessing children’s anxiety symptoms. A hierarchical structure with a second-order factor called "General Anxiety" was proposed. Adequate internal consistency and criterion related validity were demonstrated. Effects of gender and age on the anxiety scores were found. Conclusion The SCARED-R is a reliable tool for screening anxiety symptoms, and can be initially administered to identify children at high risk for specific DSM-IV defined anxiety disorders.