University of Sussex
Browse
1/1
3 files

Preventing family transmission of anxiety: feasibility RCT of a brief intervention for parents

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 12:03 authored by Samantha Cartwright-HattonSamantha Cartwright-Hatton, Donna Ewing, Suzanne Dash, Zoe Hughes, Ellen Jo Thompson, Cassie Hazell, Andy FieldAndy Field, Helen Startup
Objectives. Children of anxious parents are at high risk of anxiety disorders themselves. The evidence suggests that this is due to environmental rather than genetic factors. However, we currently do little to reduce this risk of transmission. There is evidence that supporting parenting in those with mental health difficulties can ameliorate this risk. Therefore, the objective of this study was to test the feasibility of a new one-session, group-based, preventive parenting intervention for parents with anxiety disorders. Design. Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial. Methods. 100 parents with anxiety disorders, recruited from adult mental health services in England (and child aged 3-9 years) were randomised to receive the new intervention (a one-day, group workshop), or to treatment as usual. Children’s anxiety disorder and anxiety symptoms were assessed to 12-months by outcome assessors who were blind to group allocation. Exploratory analyses were conducted on an intention to treat basis, as far as possible. Results. 51 participants were randomized to the intervention condition and 49 to the control condition (82% and 80% followed to 12-months, respectively). The attendance rate was 59%, and the intervention was highly acceptable to parents who received it. The RCT was feasible and 12-month follow-up attrition rates were low. Children whose parents were in the control condition were 16.5% more likely to have an anxiety disorder at follow-up than those in the intervention group. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions. An inexpensive, light-touch, psycho-educational intervention may be useful in breaking the intergenerational cycle of transmission of anxiety disorders. A substantive trial is warranted.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

British Journal of Clinical Psychology

ISSN

0144-6657

Publisher

British Psychological Society

Issue

3

Volume

57

Page range

351-366

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2018-02-12

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2019-03-25

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2018-02-12

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC