Cecilia A Essau1, Beatriz Olaya2, Satoko Sasagawa3, Jayshree Pithia4, Diane Bray4, Thomas H Ollendick5. 1. Department of Psychology, University of Roehampton, Whitelands College, Holybourne Avenue, London SW15 4JD, UK. Electronic address: c.essau@roehampton.ac.uk. 2. Ciber de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. 3. Faculty of Human Sciences, Mejiro University, Japan. 4. Department of Psychology, University of Roehampton, Whitelands College, Holybourne Avenue, London SW15 4JD, UK. 5. Child Study Center, Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The present study examined the effectiveness of a transdiagnostic prevention programme, Super Skills for Life (SSL), in children with anxiety problems. SSL is based on the principles of cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT), behavioural activation, social skills training, and uses video-feedback and cognitive preparation as part of the treatment. METHODS: Participants were 61 primary school children, aged 8-10 years, who were referred by their teachers as having significant anxiety problems. Children were video-recorded during a 2-min speech task in sessions 1 and 8, and during a social interaction task. All the children completed measures of anxiety symptoms, social skills, and self-esteem before and after participating in the 8-week SSL and at the 6-months follow-up assessment. RESULTS: Anxiety symptoms were significantly reduced at post-test and follow-up assessments. SSL also had a positive effect on hyperactivity, conduct, and peer problems although it took longer for these effects to occur. Behavioural indicators of anxiety during the 2-min speech task decreased, indicating that the independent raters observed behavioural change in the children from pre-treatment to follow-up. Boys had higher overall behavioural anxiety during the 2-min speech task at all three assessment periods, specifically showing higher lip contortions and leg movement than girls. LIMITATIONS: The present study used an open clinical trial design, had small sample size, and did not use structured diagnostic interview schedules to assess anxiety disorders. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary empirical support for the effectiveness of SSL in children with anxiety problems.
BACKGROUND: The present study examined the effectiveness of a transdiagnostic prevention programme, Super Skills for Life (SSL), in children with anxiety problems. SSL is based on the principles of cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT), behavioural activation, social skills training, and uses video-feedback and cognitive preparation as part of the treatment. METHODS:Participants were 61 primary school children, aged 8-10 years, who were referred by their teachers as having significant anxiety problems. Children were video-recorded during a 2-min speech task in sessions 1 and 8, and during a social interaction task. All the children completed measures of anxiety symptoms, social skills, and self-esteem before and after participating in the 8-week SSL and at the 6-months follow-up assessment. RESULTS:Anxiety symptoms were significantly reduced at post-test and follow-up assessments. SSL also had a positive effect on hyperactivity, conduct, and peer problems although it took longer for these effects to occur. Behavioural indicators of anxiety during the 2-min speech task decreased, indicating that the independent raters observed behavioural change in the children from pre-treatment to follow-up. Boys had higher overall behavioural anxiety during the 2-min speech task at all three assessment periods, specifically showing higher lip contortions and leg movement than girls. LIMITATIONS: The present study used an open clinical trial design, had small sample size, and did not use structured diagnostic interview schedules to assess anxiety disorders. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary empirical support for the effectiveness of SSL in children with anxiety problems.
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