Is Triple P effective in childhood anxiety disorder? A randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVES: Considering the role of parenting in the aetiology and maintenance of anxiety disorders, working with parents is a promising treatment strategy. Triple P-positive parenting programme is a parent-focused cognitive behaviour therapy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Triple P in improvement in childhood anxiety disorders and also to assess its effects on behavioural and emotional problems, general anxiety level, severity of the disorder, and general psychosocial functioning. Parents’ mental health and general well-being were also evaluated.

METHODS: In this randomized controlled study, the sample consisted of 74 children, aged between 8 and 12 years, who were diagnosed as anxiety disorder by Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children Present and Life-time Kiddie (K-SADSPL). Following randomization into two equal groups, mothers of the first group participated to Group Triple P Programme, while the second group was receiving no treatment. The two groups were compared right before and after the intervention on rates of anxiety symptoms, emotional, and behavioural variables.

RESULTS: Children’s general anxiety level was significantly lower in the intervention group following Triple P implementation. Behavioural and emotional problems were also reduced in the intervention group. Parental anxiety and general well-being were not significantly different between two groups.

CONCLUSION: It is considered that Triple P may be useful in the treatment of children’s anxiety disorder but further studies about Triple P on children’s anxiety disorders are needed.