Parental Factors That Detract From the Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Childhood Anxiety: Recommendations for Practitioners

Abstract

This article reviews the recent empirical literature on the various parental factors that detract from the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral treatment for children with anxiety. Interventions such as treating parental anxiety and increasing parental involvement in the therapeutic process may combat these factors. Newer strategies such as parent-training techniques and family cognitive-behavioral therapy offer some promise, though the combined outcomes of randomized clinical trials are admittedly mixed. In integrating the findings of these studies, the consideration of the child's autonomous development becomes paramount. The article concludes with recommendations for practitioners, offered for children, adolescents, and parents presenting with general anxiety-related issues.