Directional effects of parent and child anxiety 1 year following treatment of child anxiety, and the mediational role of parent psychological control.

ABSTRACT:

Background

We leveraged a recent efficacy trial to investigate directionality between parent anxiety and child anxiety at posttreatment and 12-month follow-up, and the potential role of parent psychological control as a mediator. We also explored child age and sex as moderators.

Method

Two-hundred and fifty-four children were randomized to individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or to one of two CBT arms with parent involvement. Parent anxiety was not a treatment target in any of the three arms.

Results

Child anxiety at posttreatment was associated with parent anxiety and psychological control at 12-month follow-up, providing evidence of child-to-parent directionality. Parent anxiety at posttreatment was associated indirectly with child anxiety at 12-month follo

SUBMITTER: Silverman WK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8664994 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature