Cognitive-behavioral group treatments in childhood anxiety disorders: The role of parental involvement

Objectives: This study examined (1) the effect of a cognitive-behavioral gr oup intervention on anxiety, depression, and coping strategies in school-ag e children (aged 7-12 years) with Axis 1 anxiety disorders; and (2) the eff ect of parental involvement on treatment outcomes. Method: Parents and chil dren (N = 62) were randomly assigned to one of three 12-week treatment cond itions: parent and child intervention, child-only intervention, and parent- only intervention. Child anxiety, depression, and coping strategies were as sessed before and after treatment. Results: All treatment groups reported f ewer symptoms of anxiety and depression posttreatment and changes in their use of coping strategies. Children in the parent and child intervention use d more active coping strategies posttreatment compared with children in the other 2 treatment conditions. Parents in this treatment condition reported a significantly greater improvement in their children's emotional well-bei ng than parents in the other treatment conditions. Conclusions: Cognitive-b ehavioral group interventions reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in school-age children with anxiety disorders. Concurrent parental involvemen t enhanced the effect on coping strategies. Further investigation is needed to corroborate the effectiveness of such short-term interventions and the maintenance of treatment effects.