Lester, Kathryn J, Lisk, Stephen C, Mikita, Nina, Mitchell, Sophie, Huijding, Jorg, Rinck, Mike and Field, Andy P (2015) The effects of verbal information and approach-avoidance training on children's fear-related responses. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 48. pp. 40-9. ISSN 1873-7943
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
This study examined the effects of verbal information and approach-avoidance training on fear-related cognitive and behavioural responses about novel animals.
METHODS
One hundred and sixty children (7-11 years) were randomly allocated to receive: a) positive verbal information about one novel animal and threat information about a second novel animal (verbal information condition); b) approach-avoidance training in which they repeatedly pushed away (avoid) or pulled closer (approach) pictures of the animals (approach-avoidance training), c) a combined condition in which verbal information was given prior to approach-avoidance training (verbal information + approach-avoidance training) and d) a combined condition in which approach-avoidance training was given prior to verbal information (approach-avoidance training + verbal information).
RESULTS
Threat and positive information significantly increased and decreased fear beliefs and avoidance behaviour respectively. Approach-avoidance training was successful in training the desired behavioural responses but had limited effects on fear-related responses. Verbal information and both combined conditions resulted in significantly larger effects than approach-avoidance training. We found no evidence for an additive effect of these pathways.
LIMITATIONS
This study used a non-clinical sample and focused on novel animals rather than animals about which children already had experience or established fears. The study also compared positive information/approach with threat information/avoid training, limiting specific conclusions regarding the independent effects of these conditions.
CONCLUSIONS
The present study finds little evidence in support of a possible causal role for behavioural response training in the aetiology of childhood fear. However, the provision of verbal information appears to be an important pathway involved in the aetiology of childhood fear.
Item Type: | Article |
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Schools and Departments: | School of Psychology > Psychology |
Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion |
Depositing User: | Lene Hyltoft |
Date Deposited: | 23 Jul 2015 15:53 |
Last Modified: | 14 Mar 2017 23:39 |
URI: | http://srodev.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/55730 |
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