Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Master of Arts

Program

Education

Supervisor

King, Colin

Abstract

Globally, anxiety disorders represent the most prevalent mental health disorders in children and youth (Polanczyk et al., 2015), with an increasing number of individuals perceiving the need for professional help (Georgiades et al., 2019). It is unclear, however, where families are seeking help from, what barriers families are facing, and what services are being provided for effective management of symptoms. Two methods were used to investigate possible treatment support models; a questionnaire identified patterns in parental help-seeking behaviours and outlined perceived barriers to professional help, while a scoping review examined key components of parent/caregiver treatment models. Findings showed that parents are seeking help but with various levels of satisfaction, and that psychoeducation and exposure are two of the most prominent elements in parent-led interventions for children with anxiety. These findings collectively showcase how clinicians can increase the inclusion of parents/caregivers in children with anxiety when developing treatment plans.

Summary for Lay Audience

Anxiety can be characterized by frequent, recurring thoughts and emotions, as well as physical anxious responses or behaviours that are more intense and disproportionate than their same age peers (American Psychological Association, 2020a). Anxiety disorders represent the most prevalent mental health disorders in children and youth across the globe (Polanczyk et al., 2015). It is unclear, however, where families are seeking help from, what barriers families are facing, and what services are being provided for effective management of symptom. Previous literature suggests that when professional help is accessed for anxiety symptoms, the treatment offered often has not been extensively researched and the process of seeking help has significant barriers for clients, such as cost, transportation, time commitment (Collins et al., 2004). The current project aimed to better understand barriers to care and treatment models that could support families seeking help for anxiety. Two methods were used the first was a questionnaire used to identify patterns in where parents are going for help, how satisfied they are with the care, and what barriers they have experienced or perceive to be present in accessing professional help. Second, a scoping review, which is a review of previous literature used by researchers to clarify concepts and identify knowledge gaps, was completed to understand the common therapeutic elements (i.e. psychoeducation, relaxation, exposure, etc.) of parent/caregiver treatment models for childhood anxiety. Findings showed that parents are seeking help but with various levels of satisfaction, and that psychoeducation, providing information on the disorder/diagnosis, and exposure, systematic and supported introduction to the anxiety inducing target, are two of the most prominent elements in parent-led interventions for children with anxiety. These findings collectively showcase how clinicians can increase the inclusion of parents/caregivers in children with anxiety when developing treatment plans.

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