Anxiety In Children Research Articles

The impact of animated video cartoons as a distraction technique on anticipatory anxiety levels among children during class I GIC restoration procedures.

Investigating the effect of visual distraction using animated video cartoons (AVCs) on anxiety of children during class I class I glass-ionomer cement (GIC) restoration procedures. This randomized clinical trial, 42 children between the ages of 5-6years were enrolled. These participants were divided into two groups: Group 1, consisting of 21 individuals (AVCs), who were exposed to a cartoon as a visual distraction tool, and Group 2, a control group with 21 participants who did not receive any form of distraction during their first visit. Both groups underwent class I GIC restoration procedures that were conducted in a consistent manner. To evaluate the anxiety levels of the children, measurements of their pulse rate (PR) were taken at the beginning and end of the treatment. Additionally, patient behavior was assessed using the Frankl behavior rating scale (FBRS) as well as validated self-reported dental anxiety scale, the Visual Analog Scale - Anxiety (VAS-A) score. In the control group, postoperative PR increased significantly, while the AVC group experienced a decrease compared to their preoperative PR levels. Additionally, audio-visual distraction had a notable impact on FBRS scores compared to the standard approach. Similarly, the VAS-A score displayed a significant reduction when patients received audio-visual distraction compared to the control condition. Subgroup analysis by gender showed that girls tended to be more responsive to AVCs than boys when evaluated by PR and FBRS, but such findings were not observed using VAS-A. Patients with deeper caries had higher VAS-A scores than those with shallower ones. Despite the caries depth, those who received AVC seemed to be calmer, especially to those with deeper lesions, as indicated lower postoperative VAS-A scores compared to their preoperative levels, unlike the control group. Our study suggests that the use of AVCs can be an effective method for reducing anxiety in children undergoing class I GIC restoration procedures.

The Effect of Mothers’ Attachment Styles on Separation Anxiety in Children with Autism

This research was designed to determine the effect of the attachment styles of mothers on separation anxiety in children with autism. One hundred forty mothers of children with autism contacted using the convenience sampling method were included in this descriptive and correlational research. The data were collected using a questionnaire containing a sociodemographic form, the Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory (ECRI) and the Separation Anxiety Assessment Scale-Parents’ Version (SAASP). An anxious attachment style among mothers of children with autism was found to exacerbate separation anxiety in those children.

Parental Overprotection and Locus of Control as the Mechanisms Explaining the Relationship Between Parent and Child Anxiety: A Multiple Mediation Model.

The study probes the role played by parenting control practices and parental locus of control in the relationship between parent and child anxiety. The study particularly aims at probing these matters in light of the parental gender-specific role, striving to improve our understanding of the differential etiological contribution of mothers' and fathers' anxiety and parental practices to child's anxiety. The study consisted of 316 parents (159 mothers and 157 fathers) who reported their own and their child's anxiety using valid instruments. The general path model used in the study exhibited an adequate fit to the data, generally confirming our theory regarding the direct and indirect associations between parent-child anxiety. Using SEM multiple group analysis for parental gender, a strong-direct unique association was found between parent and child anxiety. For mothers, this association was partially mediated by maternal overprotection. Finally, maternal external locus of control was positively associated with child anxiety, after accounting for the effects of all other maternal variables. The study's findings and limitations are profoundly discussed in light of parental gender differences.

Hair cortisol and psychiatric symptomatology in children; outcomes of group CBT

The associations between hair cortisol concentration (HCC), a biomarker of chronic stress, and behavior and sleep disturbance symptoms have not been studied in children with psychiatric disorders. While cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has proven effective in treating psychiatric symptoms in children, its potential biological implications as determined by HCC have not been investigated. We explored associations between HCC, behavior and sleep disturbance symptoms, and different diagnostic groupings (depression/anxiety, ADHD, or other types of psychiatric disorders) in clinician-diagnosed 6-12-year-old children (n = 100) with mixed psychiatric disorders and comorbidities. In addition, we examined whether group CBT led to changes in HCC, behavior symptoms, and sleep disturbance symptoms and whether any fluctuations in HCC levels were associated with potential symptom change. We collected data on HCC, internalizing and externalizing symptoms (The Spence Children's Anxiety Self-Report, Child Behavior Checklist, and Teacher Report Form), and sleep disturbance symptoms (The Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children) at three time points (baseline, post-treatment, and seven-month follow-up). Baseline HCC was not associated with behavior or sleep disturbance symptoms, whereas behavior and sleep disturbance symptoms were mutually correlated. No changes in HCC levels were observed with group CBT. Moreover, potential variations in HCC levels over the course of the study did not appear to be associated with behavior symptom relief after group CBT. Our findings suggest that HCC may not be a methodologically relevant biomarker of behavior or sleep disturbance symptoms in children with diverse psychiatric disorders.

Development of Cartoon-based Dental Anxiety Scale for Children: Validation and Reliability.

Dental fear and anxiety (DFA) is a common, deterring problem affecting children, which has a significant negative impact on children's oral health, leading to avoidance of dental care, poor dental hygiene, and an increased risk of dental caries and other oral health problems. The Oddbods DFA assessment is an innovative, child-friendly instrument that has been developed to assess DFA in children. To evaluate the reliability and validity of the scale, and to examine the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and criterion and construct validity of the scale. This study has assessed the reliability, criterion validity, and construct validity of the novel Oddbods anxiety assessment scale among 4-6-year-old children. Different samples were recruited to assess different criteria. A normative study was done to assess the distribution of age of the children according to anxiety levels. For assessing the test's retest reliability statistically, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 23.0, Cronbach's α, interclass correlation coefficient, and t-test were used. For evaluating the criterion validity, the Spearman correlation coefficient was used. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test was used in an exploratory factor analysis to determine whether the sample size was sufficient for the factor analysis. The scale had a high positive correlation with the modified child dental anxiety scale (MCDAS), which is considered a gold standard, and a higher Cronbach's α value, which proved its internal consistency. It also showed a significant difference between anxious and nonanxious children, but there were no differences in the scores with respect to age. The present scale proved to be a very effective tool for assessing DFA among young children. It is important to identify children at risk of dental anxiety. This scale helps to follow-up on children for their innate DFA, evaluate the efficacy of dental anxiety interventions, enhance communication, and improve access to dental care by encouraging children to seek dental care without fear or hesitation, promoting preventive care and better oral health outcomes. Fathima A, Ravikumar R, Chellappa LR. Development of Cartoon-based Dental Anxiety Scale for Children: Validation and Reliability. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(7):796-801.

Effects of Digital Picture Books on Young Children Undergoing Cardiac Catheterisation and Their Family Caregivers: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

To assess the impact of digital picture books on preoperative anxiety, pain and sleep quality in young children undergoing cardiac catheterisation and the anxiety of their family caregivers. A randomised, single-blinded, two-arm, parallel-group controlled trial. Participants are young children aged 2-7 years with congenital heart disease scheduled for cardiac catheterisation and their family caregivers. They were enrolled at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital between September 2022 and July 2023. They were randomised to either a control group receiving usual care or an intervention group receiving digital picture book sessions. Anxiety and pain levels were assessed using standardised scales, and sleep quality was measured using actigraphy. The study included 64 pairs of young children and family caregivers. Digital picture books significantly reduced preoperative anxiety and bandage removal pain in children and anxiety in family caregivers. However, there was no statistical difference in sleep quality between the intervention group and the control group. Digital picture books prove to be an effective intervention for reducing anxiety and pain in paediatric cardiac catheterisation patients and anxiety of their family caregivers. The intervention did not affect sleep quality, suggesting the need for additional strategies to address this aspect of the hospital experience. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of digitally illustrated books in reducing preoperative anxiety and pain in young children and anxiety in family caregivers. Digital picture books offer a creative and engaging way to help children and their families cope with the stress and anxiety associated with medical procedures. Further research in this area may lead to the development of more innovative and effective interventions for paediatric patients and their family caregivers. The study's impact lies in its innovative approach to addressing the psychological and emotional challenges faced by young children and their family caregivers during the stressful experience of cardiac catheterisation. By demonstrating the efficacy of digital picture books in significantly reducing preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain, the research presents a non-pharmacological, accessible and engaging intervention that can be seamlessly integrated into existing healthcare practices. The findings have the potential to transform paediatric care by offering a safe, developmentally appropriate and cost-effective method to support the emotional well-being of children and their families, thereby enhancing the overall patient experience and clinical outcomes. Moreover, the study's emphasis on family caregiver involvement underscores the importance of a holistic approach to care that considers the needs of both the patient and their support system. Children and their family caregivers were invited to provide valuable input which has been critical to the development of the intervention. The participant information sheet and consent form, as well as the consent/recruitment process, were reviewed by a consumer advisor advocate from the pilot study. CONSORT. Chinese clinical trial registry: ChiCTR2200063973. Registered on 22 September 2022, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=132833.

The association between expressive suppression and anxiety in Chinese left-behind children in middle school: serial mediation roles of psychological resilience and self-esteem

BackgroundLeft-behind children (LBC) have become a special population to be concerned due to the negative consequences of parental absence during their physical and psychological development in China. Expressive suppression (ES) is a response-focused emotion regulation and may be frequently used by LBC to suppress their emotions resulting in different forms of internalizing problems. The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of ES as an emotion regulation strategy on anxiety in Chinese left-behind children in middle school (LBC-MS) by considering the mediating role(s) of psychological resilience and self-esteem.Methods820 middle school students aged between 12 and 17 years from a middle school in Xiangtan, Hunan Province, participated in the study. Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), Resilience Scale for Chinese Adolescents (RSCA), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES) were administered. Variables measured using the above scales in left-behind children in middle school (LBC-MS) and non-left-behind children in middle school (non-LBC-MS) were compared, and descriptive statistics were used to present the overall characteristics. Then the PROCESS macro of SPSS was used to conduct regression-based statistical mediation for the data of 211 left-behind children.ResultsThis study revealed that LBC-MS had higher anxiety and ES scores and lower psychological resilience and self-esteem scores than non-LBC-MS (Ps < 0.01). ES was found positively associated with anxiety in LBC-MS and negatively associated with psychological resilience and self-esteem (Ps < 0.05 − 0.01). Specifically, both psychological resilience and self-esteem significantly mediated the association between ES and anxiety, accounting for 7.50% and 10.68%, respectively, of the total associations. Moreover, psychological resilience and self-esteem had a chain mediating effect between ES and anxiety in LBC-MS.ConclusionThe findings indicated that LBC-MS in China may frequently engage in the use of ES which correlated with higher level of anxiety. Psychological interventions should be dedicated to this underserved group. Intervention approaches that improve emotion regulation strategies (i.e., decrease the use of ES) and increase psychological resilience and self-esteem may help to alleviate anxiety in LBC-MS.

Group metacognitive therapy for children and adolescents with anxiety and depression: A preliminary trial and test of proposed mechanisms

Preliminary research supports the feasibility of metacognitive therapy (MCT) in children with generalized anxiety, but the effectiveness of MCT in treating children with other anxiety and depressive disorders largely remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects associated with MCT in targeting symptoms of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents and to investigate mechanisms proposed by the metacognitive model. Ninety-seven participants aged 10–17 years (M = 12.9 ± 1.9, 82.5 % females) with anxiety and depressive disorders received eight sessions of group MCT. Participants were diagnostically assessed at pre- and post-treatment and completed symptom and process measures before, during, and after treatment, and again at three- and six-month follow-up. Multilevel models were conducted to investigate treatment-related and mediation effects. Results showed large reductions in total symptoms following treatment (d = 1.28). These reductions were associated with, and temporally preceded by changes in cognitive attentional syndrome (CAS), metacognitive beliefs, and self-reported attention control, but not objective attention control. Treatment gains were maintained at six-month follow-up (d = 1.18). Our results indicate that MCT may be a promising treatment for children and adolescents with anxiety and depression and provide preliminary evidence of changes in CAS, metacognition, and perceived attention control as potential drivers of treatment effects.

Sedative and behavioral effects of atomized intranasal midazolam in comparison with nebulized midazolam for children undergoing dental treatment: A randomized clinical trial.

Fear and anxiet are significant barriers of dental care in children. Sedation emerged as a valuable behaviour guidance technique to manage uncooperative children. To evaluate the sedative and behavioral effectiveness of midazolam administered via nebulizer in comparison with intranasal atomizer in the behavior management of anxious children during dental treatment. Two-arm randomized clinical trial with 68 children (3-5 years) assigned to receive nebulized midazolam (NEB MDZ) and atomized intranasal midazolam (AIN MDZ) during dental treatment. The onset time, sedation levels, and behavior of children were documented. The data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney U tests. Significant differences between the two groups in terms of onset time, sedation level, and behavior of children during the dental treatment. AIN MDZ was associated with a significantly faster onset time compared with NEB MD, (p < .001). Children who received NEB MDZ exhibited deeper levels of sedation compared with AIN MDZ group (p = .02). During the administration of local anesthesia, notable statistical differences were observed between the behavior of the two groups (p = .02). Midazolam administered via either nebulizer or intranasal atomizer was the effective route of administration and proved effective in the management of anxious children undergoing dental treatment. AIN MDZ, however, exhibited a faster onset time, whereas children receiving NEB MDZ demonstrated superior behavior compared with those receiving AIN MDZ.

Psychometric Properties of the Japanese Translation of the Parent Overprotection Measure for Mother and Father Reports.

The Parent Overprotection Measure (POM) is a promising scale to measure parent overprotection toward a child from the parent's perspective. However, no Japanese translation of the scale has been developed, and whether the POM can be applied to a Japanese population is unknown. This study translated the POM into Japanese and examined its psychometric properties. Parents of 380 children aged 4 to 7years (including 190 mothers and 190 fathers) completed online questionnaires. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) indicated that the Japanese translation of the POM has a bi-factor structure, including one general factor (general overprotection) and two specific factors (care/attention and control/prevention). The measurement invariance of reports from mothers' and fathers' perspectives was confirmed by multiple group CFA. The McDonald's Omega was acceptable for all factors, but the general overprotection factor explained most scale variance. Pearson's correlation coefficients were more than .20 between the control/prevention factor and child anxiety symptoms in both mother and father reports. The correlation between the control/prevention factor and parent anxiety according to fathers' reports also exceeded .20. These results provided the factor structure and supported the reliability of the POM among a Japanese population; however, further investigation of the validity of the scale is needed.

Effectiveness of virtual reality glasses versus white noise on dental anxiety in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A randomised controlled clinical trial.

Management of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be challenging due to their disruptive behaviour. Basic behaviour management techniques (BMTs) may not be sufficient, and adjunctive strategies such as virtual reality (VR) glasses or white noise can be employed. To assess and compare the effectiveness of VR, white noise and basic BMTs on dental anxiety and behaviour of children with ADHD. Forty-eight children with ADHD were recruited for this parallel, three-armed randomised controlled clinical trial, which involved three visits at one-week intervals, including examination, preventive measures and restorations. Children were randomly divided into three groups: VR, white noise and basic BMTs. Outcome measures were Faces Image Scale (FIS), Heart Rate (HR) and Venham's Behaviour Rating Scale (VBRS). No significant difference was found between the groups in FIS scores. White noise group had a significantly lower mean HR than control group in all visits. Scores of VBRS in VR and white noise groups were significantly lower than those in the control group during the restorative visit. VR and white noise could be beneficial in managing dental anxiety and improving behaviour in children with ADHD and could be used as adjunctive strategies to basic BMTs.

Effectiveness of an unguided modular online intervention for highly anxious parents in preventing anxiety in their children: a parallel group randomised controlled trial

Children whose parents have anxiety problems are at increased risk of developing anxiety themselves. Parenting behaviors are a contributing factor to intergenerational transmission. Interventions which seek to limit anxiogenic parenting behaviors have shown potential in reducing anxiety in offspring but are not widely accessible. This prevention trial aimed to establish the effectiveness of an unguided modular online intervention for highly anxious parents in preventing anxiety in their children. A parallel group, block-randomised controlled trial of unblinded participants in a 1:1 ratio was conducted to compare efficacy of the online course compared to a no-intervention control. The intervention comprised 8 modules, of approximately 20min each, and participants progressed through the course at their own pace. The study was conducted entirely online with a self-referred UK-based community sample of parents (child 2-11 years) with substantial anxiety. The primary outcome measure was change in parent-reported child anxiety, as measured by the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale-Parent Report (SCAS-P) or Spence Pre-School Anxiety Scale-Parent Report (Preschool SCAS). Secondary outcomes were child internalising, externalising, and attentional symptoms (Pediatric Symptom Checklist), and parent anxiety (SCARED-Adult). Analyses using complete case analysis following intention to treat principles investigated intervention effects at 6 months (primary analysis) and additionally at 9 to 25-months' follow-up. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.GovNCT04755933, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04755933. 1811 participants (intervention=900; control=911; 92.7% (1677/1810) female; 85.3% (1535/1800) White-British; 66.8% (1201/1799) university educated). Participant retention (based on primary outcome completion) at T2 (6-months post consent) was 67.6% overall (n=1224) and substantially lower in the intervention arm 57.3% ((516/900) control=77.8% (708/910)). Child anxiety was lower in the intervention group compared to control at 6-month follow-up (adjusted effect size estimate-0.15 (95% CI:-0.23 to-0.08, p<0.001). There was very strong evidence that those in the intervention arm had lowered child anxiety (standardised SCAS score) compared to the control arm, with an effect size (Cohen's d) of-0.16 (95% CI:-0.23 to-0.08, p<0.001). The difference in standardised Spence Child Anxiety Scale score between the arms was-0.15 standard deviations. On the original scales for SCAS-P (0-114) and Preschool SCAS (0-112), this corresponds to a reduction of-2.38 (95% CI:-3.59 to-1.16) and-2.68 (95% CI:-4.05 to-1.31), respectively. No reported harms. A clinically unsupported online intervention designed for parents with high levels of anxiety is effective in reducing anxiety and internalising symptoms in their children, and also anxiety in parents. Given the low resource intensity of this intervention, and the positive effects reported here, these findings suggest it has promise in limiting the intergenerational transmission of severe anxiety. This work was supported by Kavli Trust (grant 38/19).

Child mental health: Early detection and interventions in anxiety disorders and depression

Introduction: Child mental health is a critical public health issue, with disorders such as anxiety and depression affecting up to 20% of children worldwide. Early detection and effective interventions are essential to mitigate the effects of these disorders and improve the quality of life of affected children. This study conducted a systematic review to identify the most effective strategies for early detection and interventions in childhood anxiety disorders and depression. Methods: The systematic review was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases, using descriptors such as “Child Mental Health,” “Early Detection,” “Anxiety Disorders in Children,” and “Childhood Depression.” Empirical studies published between 2010 and 2024 were included. Study selection was performed by two independent reviewers, and methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: Thirteen studies were included that indicate the effectiveness of instruments such as the "Spence Children's Anxiety Scale" (SCAS) and the "Child Depression Inventory" (CDI) in the early detection of anxiety and depression in children. Interventions based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and multidisciplinary approaches were effective in reducing symptoms and improving the quality of life of children. However, the implementation of these strategies faces significant challenges, such as lack of resources and the need for cultural adaptations. Conclusion: Early detection and timely interventions are essential for the effective management of anxiety disorders and depression in children. The importance of public policies for training professionals and intersectoral collaboration to ensure quality mental health care is reinforced. Future research should focus on culturally adapted interventions and evaluate their long-term effectiveness.

The Effect of Balloon Rocket Play Therapy on Anxiety in Preschool Children During Hospitalization

Preschool children aged 3-6 years are affected exposure environment new when treated At home Sick will result emergence feeling anxious and afraid. One of effort For reduce worried that is with give therapy play balloon rockets. Objective: This study was conducted using the T test which showed the effect of Rocket Balloon Play Therapy on Anxiety in Preschool Children Due to Hospitalization. The P value is &lt;0.001 which means it is less than 0.05 (0.001 &lt;0.05). Method: This study is a quasi-experimental study with a one group pretest-posttest design and uses a purposive sampling technique with a sample size of 20 children. Result: This study was conducted using the T test which showed the effect of Balloon Rocket Play Therapy on Anxiety in Preschool Children Due to Hospitalization. The P value is &lt;0.001, which means it is less than 0.05 (0.001 &lt;0.05). Conclusions: There is an effect of balloon rocket play therapy on preschool children's anxiety during hospitalization in the children's ward of UNS Sukoharjo Hospital.

Predictive models of post-traumatic stress disorder, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety in children and adolescents following a single-event trauma.

This study examined the power of theory-derived models to account for the development of PTSD, Complex PTSD (CPTSD), depression, and anxiety in children and adolescents who had experienced a single-event trauma. Children (n = 234, aged 8-17 years) recruited from local Emergency Departments were assessed at two and nine weeks post-trauma. Data obtained from self-report questionnaires completed by the child, telephone interviews with parents, and hospital data were used to develop four predictive models of risk factors for PTSD, CPTSD, depression, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). ICD-11 proposed diagnostic criteria were used to generate measures for CPTSD and PTSD to assess for risk factors and identify the sample prevalence of these disorders. At nine weeks post-trauma, 64% did not meet criteria for any disorder, 23.5% met criteria for PTSD, and 5.2% met criteria for CPTSD. 23.9% and 10.7% had developed clinically significant symptoms of depression and GAD, respectively. A cognitive model was the most powerful predictive model, a psychosocial model was weak, and subjective markers of event severity were more powerful than objective measures. Youth exposed to single-incident trauma may develop different forms of psychopathology, and PTSD and CPTSD are frequently experienced alongside other conditions. The cognitive model of PTSD shows utility in identifying predictors of PTSD, CPTSD, depression, and GAD, particularly the role of trauma-related negative appraisals. This supports the application of cognitive interventions which focus upon re-appraising trauma-related beliefs in youth.

The Balance N1 Is Larger in Children With Anxiety and Associated With the Error-Related Negativity

BackgroundThe error-related negativity (ERN) is a brain response evoked by mistakes on cognitive tasks that is enhanced with anxiety and can predict the subsequent onset or exacerbation of anxiety in children and adolescents. A physical disturbance to standing balance evokes a brain response called the balance N1 that resembles the ERN in scalp topography and in response to a variety of moderating factors. We recently found that the balance N1 and ERN correlate in amplitude across small adult samples. MethodsIn the current study, we tested the effect of anxiety on the balance N1 in children (ages 9–12 years) with and without diagnosed anxiety disorders (38 children with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder and 50 children without these disorders). We measured the balance N1 in response to sudden release of support from a forward leaning posture, the ERN in response to mistakes on a Go/NoGo task, and anxiety symptoms using child- and parent-report forms of the Screen for Child Anxiety and Related Emotional Disorders. ResultsBoth the balance N1 and the ERN were larger in the anxious group. The balance N1 was also associated with both the ERN and parent report of child anxiety symptom severity across individuals. ConclusionsThe higher measurement reliability of the balance N1 than the ERN and greater experimental control over errors suggest that balance paradigms may provide a more powerful method for investigating individual differences in error-related brain activity related to anxiety.

The effect of virtual reality glasses used in dental treatment on anxiety and fear in children: A randomized controlled study

IntroductionVirtual reality glasses can be used as a distraction method in dental practices for children. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of virtual reality glasses used during tooth extraction and extirpation treatment under local anesthesia on anxiety and fear in children aged 7–10 years. MethodsThis study is a randomized controlled trial. The sample of the study consisted of 120 seven to ten-year-old children, including 60 in the EG and 60 in the CG, who received tooth extraction and extirpation treatment in the pediatric dental clinic. Data collection tools included the Children's Fear Scale, the Child Anxiety Scale-State. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, t-test, Shapiro-Wilk, mean and percentage distributions. ResultsThe assessments made by the researcher and the children indicated a statistically significant difference between experimental and control groups in terms of their mean anxiety and fear scores following tooth extraction and extirpation treatment (p < 0.001). After tooth extraction and extirpation treatment, it was determined that the children in the EG had lower mean anxiety and fear scores than the children in the CG. ConclusionIt was found that virtual reality glasses used during tooth extraction and extirpation treatment in children aged 7–10 years were effective in reducing their anxiety and fear levels. Virtual reality glasses can be used as a distracting method to relieve children's anxiety and fears during dental treatment procedures.

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).

Defense mechanisms mediate associations between exposure to adverse childhood experiences and anxiety and depression in Kenyan adolescents.

Defense mechanisms mediate associations between exposure to adverse childhood experiences and anxiety and depression in Kenyan adolescents.

Heterogeneity in trajectories of traumatic distress at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 outbreak has led to an increase in posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs; Prout et al., 2020) for some individuals, whereas others appeared to be more resilient. It remains relatively unclear what characterizes these potentially different response trajectories ( Chen & Bonanno, 2020). This study sought to (a) assess individuals' PTSS levels at the start of the pandemic and at two subsequent timepoints 3 and 6 months later, (b) identify different trajectories of PTSSs over time, and (c) describe which individual characteristics influenced the likelihood of each of these different trajectories to occur. A community sample (n = 317) responded to an online survey during the first weeks of the pandemic, 3 and 6 months later. Among those who reported acute levels of PTSSs, latent class growth analyses identified three different resilience trajectories-resilient (low baseline PTSSs and a slight decrease over time), chronic (severe PTSSs at baseline and no change over time), and recovered (severe PTSSs at baseline but a sharp improvement over time). Baseline childhood adversity, depression, anxiety, defensive functioning, and somatization predicted trajectories. Demographics (age, gender, preexisting chronic illness) and COVID-related factors (knowing someone diagnosed with or who died of COVID-19) were unrelated to trajectories. Results suggest that although high PTSS levels decreased over time on average, heterogenous change trajectories can be identified based on baseline psychological characteristics. This implies that mental health, including past and present experiences, as well as adaptational mechanisms may shape individuals' experiences with pandemic-related ongoing stress. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).