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Is anxiety associated with negative interpretations of ambiguity in children and adolescents? A systematic review and meta-analysis

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Version 2 2023-06-12, 08:43
Version 1 2023-06-09, 07:50
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 08:43 authored by Suzannah Stuijfzand, Cathy Creswell, Andy FieldAndy Field, Samantha Pearcey, Helen Dodd
Background The tendency to interpret ambiguity as threat (‘negative interpretation’) has been implicated in cognitive models of anxiety. A significant body of research has examined the association between anxiety and negative interpretation, and reviews suggest there is a robust positive association in adults. However, evidence with children and adolescents has been inconsistent. This study aimed to provide a systematic quantitative assessment of the association between anxiety and negative interpretation in children and adolescents. Methods Following systematic searches and screening for eligibility, 345 effects sizes from 77 studies were meta-analysed. Results Overall a medium positive association was found between anxiety and negative interpretation in children and adolescents (d ^ = 0.62). Two variables significantly moderated this effect. Specifically, the association increased in strength with increasing age and when the content of ambiguous scenarios matched the anxiety subtype under investigation. Conclusions Results extend findings from adult literature by demonstrating an association in children and adolescents with evidence for content specificity in the association. Age effects imply a role for development. Results raise considerations for when and for whom clinical treatments for anxiety focusing on interpretation bias are appropriate. The vast majority of studies included in the review have used correlational designs and there are a limited number of studies with you ng children. The results should be considered with these limitations in mind.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines

ISSN

0021-9630

Publisher

Wiley

Issue

11

Volume

59

Page range

1127-1142

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2017-09-07

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2018-04-20

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2017-09-07

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