Anxiety In Young Children Research Articles

Measurement invariance of the higher-order model of Preschool Anxiety Scale (PAS) across child age, gender, parental anxiety, and pandemic period in England.

The Preschool Anxiety Scale (PAS) is a parent-report scale measuring young children's anxiety symptoms involving five specific anxiety symptoms (separation anxiety, physical injury fears, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety) that load on a higher-order factor representing general anxiety shared by all specific anxiety symptom subtypes. Although the PAS has been widely used to assess anxiety symptoms in young children, few studies have tested its measurement invariance for group comparisons. Using data from a sample of 2,221 children and their parents/carers in the United Kingdom, this study investigated the measurement invariance of the higher-order model of the PAS across child age (4-6 years vs. 6-7 years), gender (girls vs. boys), parental anxiety (low vs. high level), and children's living circumstances (before vs. after the removal of COVID-19 restrictions). Our findings demonstrated the good factor structure, internal consistency, and convergent validity of the higher-order model of the PAS in all subgroups and supported its configural, metric, and scalar invariance across these subgroups. Therefore, the findings suggest that the PAS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing specific anxiety symptoms and general anxiety among young children in the United Kingdom and that comparisons can be made between the subgroups under examination. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Perceived acceptability and appropriateness of a web-based program targeting risk for anxiety in young children and their parents

Abstract Objective This mixed-methods study examined perceived acceptability and appropriateness of a novel digital mental health program targeting anxiety risk (i.e., perfectionism or error sensitivity) in 5-to-7-year-old children and their parents. Methods Parent–child dyads participated in a modular, web-based cognitive-behavioral program targeting negative overreactions to making mistakes. The program, “Making Mistakes”, consisted of a 6-month series of short video clips, journaling activities, and weekly reminders, and modules were delivered to caregivers and children separately. 86 dyads completed self-report measures, 18 of whom participated in semi-structured interviews, following completion of the primary program module. A standard thematic analysis was used to elucidate themes from the parent and child interview content. Results Our quantitative and qualitative results were generally aligned. Children and parents viewed the novel digital mental health program as acceptable and appropriate, favoring the cognitive behavioral strategies such as modeling positive reactions to mistakes, responding positively to child mistakes, and emphasizing effort over outcome. Participants also provided helpful feedback related to program content, delivery, and engagement, as well as suggestions to enhance the program. Conclusions Findings have implications for design and content features of parent-based and dyad-based programs, as well as digital mental health programs focused on reducing anxiety risk.

Anxiety Symptoms in Young Children Are Associated With a Maladaptive Neurobehavioral Profile of Error Responding

BackgroundChildhood anxiety symptoms have been linked to alterations in cognitive control and error processing, but the diverse findings on neural markers of anxiety in young children, which vary by severity and developmental stage, suggest the need for a wider perspective. Integrating new neural markers with established ones, such as the error-related negativity, the error positivity, and frontal theta, could clarify this association. Error-related alpha suppression (ERAS) is a recently proposed index of post-error attentional engagement that has not yet been explored in children with anxiety. MethodsTo identify neurobehavioral profiles of anxiety in young children by integrating ERAS with the error-related negativity, error positivity, frontal theta, and post-error performance indicators, we employed K-means clustering as an unsupervised multimetric approach. For this, we first aimed to confirm the presence and scalp distribution of ERAS in young children. We performed event-related potentials and spectral analysis of electroencephalogram data collected during a Go/NoGo task (Zoo Task) completed by 181 children (ages 4–7 years; 103 female) who were sampled from across the clinical-to-nonclinical range of anxiety severity using the Child Behavior Checklist. ResultsResults confirmed ERAS, showing lower post-error alpha power, maximal suppression at occipital sites, and less ERAS in younger children. K-means clustering revealed that high anxiety and younger age were associated with reduction in ERAS and frontal theta, less negative error-related negativity, enlarged error positivity, more post-error slowing, and reduced post-error accuracy. ConclusionsOur findings indicate a link between ERAS, maladaptive neural mechanisms of attention elicited by errors, and anxiety in young children, suggesting that anxiety may arise from or interfere with attention and error processing.

Evaluation and comparison of the effectiveness of kaleidoscope and virtual reality goggles to reduce dental anxiety in young children undergoing administration of local anesthesia.

Administration of local anesthesia via injection is the main reason for inducing anxiety in children and if not intervened it aggravates the anxiety in subsequent appointments. There are many approaches, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods that can be used to reduce children’s perception of pain and anxiety. A frequently used non-pharmacological behaviour management method to reduce anxiety and procedure pain is distraction. The rationale of distraction is to shift the attention to avert the brain from receiving unwanted stimulus which induce anxiousness. Many approaches including music, television, portable video games, virtual reality (VR) helmet, and virtual reality audio-visual eyewear, have been implemented so far. Kaleidoscope and virtual reality goggles may help as distraction techniques in reducing the levels of anxiety caused during administration of local anesthesia. By the aid of which the operator may be able to make the dental experience child friendly and ultimately provide quality dental care to anxious children. Non pharmacological measures of reducing pain are cost effective and best means that can be used while performing dental procedures. This is a research protocol for a study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of kaleidoscope and virtual reality goggles to reduce dental anxiety in young children.

State-Trait and Separation Anxiety Among Mothers with an Only Child Entering Kindergarten

Parents are the first and best teachers for their children. In homeschooling, the level of separation anxiety in kindergarten children is closely related to the level of anxiety in their mothers. The mother's behavior has a greater impact on the child than the father's. Parents' attitudes toward their children, their attitudes toward kindergarten, their own level of education, and their ability to regulate their emotions all affect the level of separation anxiety of children with their mothers. Therefore, it is particularly important to study the anxiety state of mothers when studying kindergarten anxiety in younger children. Since children spend most of their time with their mothers after leaving kindergarten, they chose to study the state-traits and separation anxiety of mothers of only children entering kindergarten". As early as Bowlby's attachment theory, the infant's emotional attachment to the caregiver was mentioned. Hawke et al. argued that, based on Spielberg's theory of state-trait anxiety, the mother's parent-child separation anxiety is a state of infant anxiety caused by short-term separation. When mothers experience occasional separation anxiety, the mother's state emotions include the following three perceived levels: the mother's self-anxiety, the mother's awareness of her child's anxiety, and the mother's anxiety about her child's lack of maternal care.

Evaluation and comparison of the effectiveness of kaleidoscope and virtual reality goggles to reduce dental anxiety in young children undergoing administration of local anesthesia.

Administration of local anesthesia via injection is the main reason for inducing anxiety in children and if not intervened it aggravates the anxiety in subsequent appointments. There are many approaches, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods that can be used to reduce children’s perception of pain and anxiety. A frequently used non-pharmacological behaviour management method to reduce anxiety and procedure pain is distraction. The rationale of distraction is to shift the attention to avert the brain from receiving unwanted stimulus which induce anxiousness. Many approaches including music, television, portable video games, virtual reality (VR) helmet, and virtual reality audio-visual eyewear, have been implemented so far. Kaleidoscope and virtual reality goggles may help as distraction techniques in reducing the levels of anxiety caused during administration of local anesthesia. By the aid of which the operator may be able to make the dental experience child friendly and ultimately provide quality dental care to anxious children. Non pharmacological measures of reducing pain are cost effective and best means that can be used while performing dental procedures. This is a research protocol for a study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of kaleidoscope and virtual reality goggles to reduce dental anxiety in young children.

Effects of physical exercise, LEGO, and Minecraft activities on anxiety in underserved children with autism: Study design and methodological strategies

Anxiety is a common comorbidity for individuals with ASD, and there is some preliminary data about the efficacy of physical exercise to alleviate anxiety. However, we are not aware of any studies that have compared the effects of a physical exercise program on anxiety in underserved children with ASD using a randomized controlled research design. This paper describes a method to evaluate and compare the efficacy of an 8-week physical exercise intervention with a sedentary play intervention to alleviate anxiety in young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) from underserved backgrounds. We assessed anxiety and its physical symptoms using the parent-rated Child Behavior Checklist DSM-5 anxiety (CBCL DSM-5) subscale, the child-rated Screen for Childhood Anxiety Related Emotional Disorder (SCARED), the parent-rated Child's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and salivary cortisol. We also utilized the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) to assess physical activity level and identify compounds. Unique components of this study include:•Implementation of novel physical exercise and sedentary play interventions that have been designed for children with ASD.•Recruitment of predominantly underserved and non-English speaking families.

How to measure math anxiety in young children? Psychometric properties of the modified Abbreviated Math Anxiety Scale for Elementary Children (mAMAS-E)

How to measure math anxiety in young children? Psychometric properties of the modified Abbreviated Math Anxiety Scale for Elementary Children (mAMAS-E)

Evaluation of Change in Quality of Life, Dental Fear and Dental Anxiety in Young Children Following Full-mouth Dental Rehabilitation under General Anesthesia for Early Childhood Caries.

To evaluate the change in quality of life, dental fear, and dental anxiety in young children following full-mouth dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia for early childhood caries. About 200 children who were diagnosed with early childhood caries requiring full-mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia were recruited after obtaining parental consent. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was measured using the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). Dental fear was evaluated using Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale and dental anxiety was evaluated using the Facial Image Scale. Scores were taken on the day of intervention, and after 14 days when the child reported for posttreatment follow-up. All 200 participants returned for a follow-up visit after 2 weeks. The child impact section was reduced from 15.7 ± 4.1 to 7.7 ± 1.9 after treatment. The family impact section was reduced from 9.6 ± 2.7 to 3.5 ± 2.6 after treatment. A statistically significant difference was seen in both sections when pre-and posttreatment values were compared (p < 0.001). The total ECOHIS showed statistically significant improvement as the pretreatment score of 21.6 ± 9.5 reduced to 11.2 ± 4.2 showing 51.9% improvement in OHRQoL after full-mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia was done (p < 0.001). Dental fear and anxiety among the participants showed a statistically significant reduction after treatment was done and most participants were found to be less fearful of doctors, dentists, and injections after treatment. Full-mouth rehabilitation was found to be a reliable treatment modality to improve the OHRQoL of children suffering from early childhood caries. Significant improvement was seen in the OHRQoL within 2 weeks after treatment and most participants were found to be less anxious and fearful toward dentists and dental treatment. Comprehensive dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia has been proven to be an effective treatment modality for early childhood caries and a productive treatment technique to reduce dental fear and anxiety.

Evaluation and comparison of the effectiveness of kaleidoscope and virtual reality goggles to reduce dental anxiety in young children undergoing administration of local anesthesia.

Administration of local anesthesia via injection is the main reason for inducing anxiety in children and if not intervened it aggravates the anxiety in subsequent appointments. There are many approaches, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods that can be used to reduce children's perception of pain and anxiety. A frequently used non-pharmacological behaviour management method to reduce anxiety and procedure pain is distraction. The rationale of distraction is to shift the attention to avert the brain from receiving unwanted stimulus which induce anxiousness. Many approaches including music, television, portable video games, virtual reality (VR) helmet, and virtual reality audio-visual eyewear, have been implemented so far. Kaleidoscope and virtual reality goggles may help as distraction techniques in reducing the levels of anxiety caused during administration of local anesthesia. By the aid of which the operator may be able to make the dental experience child friendly and ultimately provide quality dental care to anxious children. Non pharmacological measures of reducing pain are cost effective and best means that can be used while performing dental procedures. This is a research protocol for a study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of kaleidoscope and virtual reality goggles to reduce dental anxiety in young children.

The Effectiveness of Anxiety Interventions for Young Children: A Meta-Analytic Review.

Anxiety symptoms and disorders are prevalent and impairing in young children and these symptoms often persist and worsen over time, indicating the need for efficacious interventions for this age group. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions targeting anxiety in younger children and to assess the potential moderators of outcome. The effect sizes from 24 trials were assessed based on a random effect model. The mean weighted effect size was found to be significant and moderate in magnitude. Moderators, including level of intervention, intervention approach, rater, and level of training of the provider/program facilitator, are assessed and discussed. Overall, the findings indicate that anxiety interventions are effective in reducing anxiety in young children, and targeted trials show particularly strong promise.

SPIRIT Checklist for "Evaluation and comparison of the effectiveness of kaleidoscope and virtual reality goggles to reduce dental anxiety in young children undergoing administration of local anesthesia"

SPIRIT Checklist for "Evaluation and comparison of the effectiveness of kaleidoscope and virtual reality goggles to reduce dental anxiety in young children undergoing administration of local anesthesia"

Gambaran Tingkat Kecemasan Pasien Anak Usia Sekolah yang Menjalani Hospitalisasi

Gambaran Tingkat Kecemasan Pasien Anak Usia Sekolah yang Menjalani Hospitalisasi

Evaluation and comparison of the effectiveness of kaleidoscope and virtual reality goggles to reduce dental anxiety in young children undergoing administration of local anesthesia.

Administration of local anesthesia via injection is the main reason for inducing anxiety in children and if not intervened it aggravates the anxiety in subsequent appointments. There are many approaches, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods that can be used to reduce children's perception of pain and anxiety. A frequently used non-pharmacological behaviour management method to reduce anxiety and procedure pain is distraction. The rationale of distraction is to shift the attention to avert the brain from receiving unwanted stimulus which induce anxiousness. Many approaches including music, television, portable video games, virtual reality (VR) helmet, and virtual reality audio-visual eyewear, have been implemented so far. Kaleidoscope and virtual reality goggles may help as distraction techniques in reducing the levels of anxiety caused during administration of local anesthesia. By the aid of which the operator may be able to make the dental experience child friendly and ultimately provide quality dental care to anxious children. Non pharmacological measures of reducing pain are cost effective and best means that can be used while performing dental procedures. This is a research protocol for a study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of kaleidoscope and virtual reality goggles to reduce dental anxiety in young children.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF ANXIETY IN CHILDREN IN NORTH MACEDONIA

Anxiety disorders are considered the most prevalent and pervasive mental health problems in children globally. The development of preventive strategies requires information on prevalence rates and identification of risk factors. However, such data is not available for North Macedonia. The current study aims to fill the research gaps by estimating prevalence rates, and applying the ecological risk model in examining risk factors of anxiety in preschool and school-aged children in North Macedonia. Data was taken from a pre-post study testing the effectiveness of a parenting program in young children in North Macedonia. A total of 288 parents of children aged 2-9 years were included. Cutoff scores were used to estimate prevalence rates, and generalized linear models were used to analyze baseline data on the influence of individual, family and social risk factors on childhood anxiety. Data showed that more than 6% of preschool-aged children, and more than 11% of school-aged children were affected by clinically significant levels of anxiety. The study also showed that dysfunctional parenting practices were a strong predictor of anxiety in preschool-aged children, while parental depression and anxiety were the strongest predictors in school-aged children. The current study offered first insights into prevalence rates, and highlighted the existence of unique contributions of family-related risk factors that affect different presentations of anxiety in young children in North Macedonia. The findings may contribute to an improved understanding of the complex processes involved in the development of anxiety, and may offer directions for evidence-based interventions.

Multifaceted distraction technique: an innovative tailored approach in dental settings for anxiety reduction in children: A preliminary report

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the useability of a new multifaceted distraction technique and its effects on dental anxiety reduction in children. Methods: This in vivo experimental study included 54 anxious children with an Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale- Face Version score&gt;19. Multifaceted distraction was used to relax and distract the children during dental treatment. Ease of use, attractiveness, functionality, and changes in anxiety scores before and after treatment were assessed in the paediatric patients. The scores obtained were tabulated and statistically analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank and paired t-tests. Results: The multifaceted distraction technique was attractive, easy to use, and reduced procedural anxiety in 98.15% children aged 3–10 years. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the multifaceted distraction technique was an effective behaviour management technique for reducing procedural anxiety in young children. Keywords: Behaviour Management; Child Behaviour; Dental Anxiety; Paediatric Dentistry; Stress Relaxation

Eksplorasi Pengalaman Perawat Memberikan Posisi Duduk dalam Pelukan Orang Tua Selama Insersi Intravena: Studi Kualitatif

Intravenous insertion with parental holding and upright position reduces pain and anxiety in young children. This position has not been routinely applied by nurses, even though several nurses have been introduced and carried out this position. The aim of this study was to explore nurses experience gave “parental holding and upright position” during insertion intravenous procedure. This study used phenomenology qualitative study. The number of samples in this study were 10 nurses with inclusion criteria is nurse who had given parental holding and upright position while intravenous insertion. Exclusion criteria is nurse who was not present at the interview due to illness. Data collected through in-depth interviews. Based on the interview, it was found theme “intravenous insertion procces is more enjoyable”. Nurses found it easier to work because children are comfortably restrained by their parents, and children are more comfortable when their parents hug them. This position provides a positive thing for both nurses and children. The parental holding and upright position can be used as a routine position by nurses when carrying out intravenous insertion procedures because through this position the nurse and young children become more comfortable during the procedure.

The role of math anxiety in the relationship between approximate number system and math performance in young children

AbstractAlthough interest in mathematics anxiety in young children (6–11 years) has increased recently, the results of previous studies on the role of mathematics anxiety in the relationship between number sense and math performance are inconsistent. The study's main objective was to establish whether math anxiety is a mediator or a moderator in the relationship between number line estimation (NLE) and mathematical outcomes. A cross‐sectional, correlational design was used. A total of 234 Turkish public primary school children (third and fourth graders) participated in the study. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) math anxiety mediates the relationship between the approximate number system (ANS) (an easier and more difficult task of ANS) and math performance (math achievement and arithmetic fluency); (2) math anxiety moderates the relationship between ANS (an easier and more difficult task of ANS) and math performance (math achievement and arithmetic fluency). The results mostly suggest no mediation effect of math anxiety between NLE and math performance in young children. The results also suggest that increases in difficulty level in NLE (increases of errors in NLE) is related to more anxiety regarding mathematics. Furthermore, moderation analyses indicated that the acuity of mental representation of numbers in high math‐anxious children is a key factor contributing to math performance. Developmental aspects of the obtained results are also discussed in the paper.

An Ounce of Prevention: Building resilience and targeting anxiety in young children.

Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric disorders in childhood and can develop as early as the preschool years. Therefore, providing young children who display early signs of anxiety with skills to prevent the development of later psychopathology is invaluable. The current study evaluates the effectiveness of Fun FRIENDS, an anxiety prevention and resilience program for young children. Fifty-seven kindergartners across three classrooms participated in a 15-week anxiety prevention program and teachers completed a behavioral screening measure and anxiety questionnaire at pre, post, 3month, and 10-month follow-up assessment points. Anxiety positively correlated with emotional symptoms, peer difficulties, and total difficulties at pre-intervention. Anxiety symptoms decreased from pre-intervention to follow-up. Additionally, prosocial behaviors improved and moderated the relationship between pre-and post-intervention anxiety symptoms. These findings yield promising implications regarding the effectiveness of prevention and intervention programs on increasing social emotional skills and reducing anxiety symptoms in young children.

The effects of a physical exercise program, LEGOR and Minecraft activities on anxiety in underserved children with autism spectrum disorder

BackgroundAnxiety is a frequent comorbidity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Physical exercise is a low cost and easy-to-access intervention with therapeutic benefits for reducing anxiety in adults and adolescents. There are currently no randomized controlled trials on the feasibility and efficacy of a physical exercise intervention to reduce anxiety in younger children with ASD. Method148 children (6–12 years old) with ASD were randomized into a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of an 8-week exercise protocol designed to reduce anxiety specifically in younger children with ASD. Participants were randomized to an exercise intervention group (N = 76) or sedentary activity LEGO/Minecraft group (N = 72). Both programs were administered 1–3 times weekly for 8 weeks. Anxiety was assessed via parent ratings with the Child Behavior Checklist DSM-5 anxiety subscale (CBCL DSM-5) at weeks 1, 3, 6, and 8 as well as follow up at weeks 12 and 16. Secondary outcome measures included child self-reported anxiety (Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders; SCARED), sleep (Child’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire, CSHQ-ATN), physical activity level (Physical Activity Questionnaire, PAQ-C), and salivary cortisol measured at weeks 1, 3, 6, and 8. ResultsParent-rated (CBCL DSM-5) and self-reported (SCARED) anxiety scores showed improvements at weeks 3, 6 and 8 in both groups with no significant differences between the physical exercise and sedentary activity (LEGO/Minecraft) groups. In addition, the CBCL DSM-5 anxiety scores decreased only in the physical exercise group at weeks 12 and 16 compared to baseline with no significant difference from LEGO/Minecraft group. Sleep also showed improvements during weeks 6 and 8 in the physical exercise group but not in the LEGO/Minecraft group with no significant differences between the groups. Physical activity level was significantly increased in the physical exercise group compared to the LEGO/Minecraft group at week 8. Salivary cortisol did not show any significant changes from weeks 1–8 or differences between groups. ConclusionEight-week physical exercise and sedentary LEGO/Minecraft interventions reduced parent-rated and self-reported anxiety in 6–12-year-old underserved children with ASD with no significant difference between the intervention groups.