If your child has been diagnosed with anxiety or exhibits anxious behaviors, witnessing their distress can be heart-wrenching. As parents, our instinct is often to intervene and alleviate their discomfort—whether through therapy, accommodations, or other means. However, recent research indicates that a parent’s response can sometimes exacerbate the problem rather than alleviate it.
A groundbreaking study from a leading institution emphasizes a novel approach that targets parental behavior instead of directly addressing the child’s anxiety. Dr. Marcus Thompson, a psychologist involved in the study, highlights that a parent’s reactions are a fundamental aspect of a child’s anxiety experience.
The program known as Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) seeks to diminish the way parents accommodate their children’s anxiety. “Comforting responses can inadvertently increase anxiety,” Dr. Thompson explains. The research suggests that when parents step in too much, children may become dependent on them to resolve their feelings instead of learning to manage those feelings on their own.
While experiencing some anxiety is a normal part of childhood, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that one in eight children in the United States suffers from an anxiety disorder. Untreated childhood anxiety can lead to poor academic performance, missed social opportunities, and even substance abuse later in life. Hence, it’s crucial to understand how parental influence can create a positive impact.
Dr. Thompson points out that excessive support from parents sends an implicit message: “You’re incapable of handling this, so I will do it for you.” The SPACE program aims to shift this dynamic by encouraging parents to take a step back, allowing their children to learn coping mechanisms while still providing support.
This approach differs significantly from the conventional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing negative thought patterns and promoting positive behaviors in the child. Dr. Thompson argues that parents play a crucial role in their child’s journey toward managing anxiety effectively.
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry revealed positive outcomes for families who participated in the SPACE program. The results showed a notable reduction in family accommodation and parenting stress, with SPACE yielding better results than traditional CBT.
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In summary, the SPACE program is a significant shift in how we approach childhood anxiety, focusing on empowering parents to foster independence in their children rather than inadvertently reinforcing anxiety through over-accommodation.