Effective Strategies to Support Students with Anxiety in the Classroom
Poster by: Sonja Saqui, Michele P. Cheng
Sessions B/D | 9:45 – 10:00/10:45 – 11:00 | Main Corridor, 2nd Floor
Abstract:
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health concern across both children and adolescents (Chavira, Stein, Bailey, & Stein, 2004). In fact, researchers report that between 8 – 22% of children and adolescent may be dealing with anxiety disorders (Briesch, Sanetti, & Briesch, 2010). Students with anxiety disorders may experience excessive fear or worry, may avoid social situations, may worry about loved ones, or may experience fatigue, irritability and sleep disturbances, all of which can impact school functioning (Briesch et al., 2010). Despite its high prevalence rates, and aforementioned possible impact on school functioning, anxiety disorders are the least treated mental health concern across children and adolescents (Chavira et al., 2004). Thus, not only does it appear that anxiety in children and adolescents merit more attention, more clarity on effective evidence- based interventions that support children and adolescents with how to cope and manage feelings of anxiety is critical.
Although research into anxiety disorders in children has increased over recent years, this has not yet translated into higher rates of service or intervention. This poster session will profile two school-based anxiety interventions with a focus on evidence-based components and some considerations teachers and practitioners may want to attend to prior to implementing school-based anxiety interventions. Direction for future research will also be presented.
