Coping skills training: Potential for prevention of fears and anxieties

Abstract

Coping skills procedures, techniques which teach the individual an active skill for dealing with a variety of anxiety-provoking situations, may be an effective method of preventing fears and anxiety reactions. Outcome data in general indicate the effectiveness of such procedures in the treatment of fears. An examination of the epidemiological data on fears and anxieties and the characteristics of coping skills training in relation to some basic requirements for prevention programs indicates the preventive potential of coping skills procedures.