A Psychoeducational School-Based Group Intervention for Socially Anxious Children

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of a psychoeducational group for social anxiety aimed at elementary children. An 8-week psychoeducational program based on empirically validated risk factors was designed. Interventions included cognitive restructuring, anxiety management techniques, and social skills training. Pre- and posttest data from 3 groups conducted over the course of 3 months were combined for a total of 40 participants. Results indicate completion of the group led to a significant decrease on scales measuring social anxiety and negative interpretation of ambiguity, as well as a significant increase in children's self-reported likeability. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.