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Childhood Fears and Anxiety Disorders

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 October 2014

Neville J. King ,
Eleonora Gullone  and
Bruce J. Tonge
Neville J. King*
Affiliation:
Monash University
Eleonora Gullone
Affiliation:
Victoria College
Bruce J. Tonge
Affiliation:
Monash Medical Centre
*
Faculty of Education, School of Graduate Studies, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3168
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Abstract

Despite their significance, childhood anxiety disorders, compared to those of adults, have been neglected by researchers. However, recent years have witnessed increasing research on childhood anxiety disorders. Normative and developmental aspects of fear and anxiety are briefly discussed and we examine the classification and diagnostic reliability of childhood anxiety disorders. In relation to assessment, we focus on some recent research developments on self-report instruments and behavioural avoidance tests. An integrative behavioural treatment model is presented in which the need for age-appropriate intervention is emphasised. Also, data on the social validity of fear reduction procedures are presented. Finally, we outline several directions for future research.

Type
Research Article
Information
Behaviour Change , Volume 8 , Issue 3 , September 1991 , pp. 124 - 135
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 1991

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References

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