Research Protocol: Development, implementation and evaluation of a cognitive behavioural therapy-based intervention programme for the management of anxiety symptoms in South African children with visual impairments

Abstract

BackgroundChildhood anxiety presents a serious mental health problem, and it is one of the most common forms of psychological distress reported by youth worldwide. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms amongst South African youth is reported to be significantly higher than in other parts of the world. These high prevalence rates become even more significant when viewed in terms of children with visual impairments, as it is suggested that children with physical disabilities may be more prone, than their non-disabled peers, for the development of psychological difficulties.ObjectivesThe main aim of this study is to develop, implement and evaluate a specifically tailored anxiety intervention programme for use with South African children with visual impairments.MethodA specifically tailored cognitive-behavioural therapy-based anxiety intervention, for 9–13 year old South African children with visual impairments, will be evaluated in two special schools. The study will employ a randomised wait-list control group design with pre- post- and follow-up intervention measures, with two groups each receiving a 10 session anxiety intervention programme. The main outcome measure relates to the participants’ symptoms of anxiety as indicated on the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale.ConclusionIf the anxiety intervention programme is found to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, this universal intervention will lay down the foundation upon which future contextually sensitive (South African) anxiety intervention programmes can be built.

Cognitive behaviour therapy-based early intervention and prevention programme for anxiety in South African children with visual impairments

“…Thus, although there were no overall effects, it appears that the PAM programme may be beneficial for girls, younger participants (aged 9–11) and legally blind children. Results relating to the legally blind group are particularly noteworthy, as children with severe visual impairments have been identified as a high-risk group (Loxton, Visagie & Ollendick 2012 ; Visagie et al 2013 , 2015 ). It is also encouraging to note the effects relating to a decrease in symptoms of major depression for younger (age 9–11-year-olds) and legally blind children.…”

“…The PAM programme (Visagie 2016 ) is a brief CBT-based early intervention and prevention programme for anxiety, specifically tailored to meet the needs of visually impaired children between the ages of 9 and 14 years. Participants received 10 PAM group sessions over the course of 5 weeks.…”

“…During the programme, children participate in activities, which teach coping skills and problem-solving techniques, thereby helping them to deal more effectively with anxiety. Activities teach skills to identify feelings; to learn to relax, to identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with more helpful thoughts (cognitive restructuring), how to face and overcome daily problems and challenges and how to illicit family and peer support (Barrett, Lowry-Webster & Turner 1999 ; Stallard et al 2007 ; Visagie 2016 ). The programme uses a tangible soft toy dog (named PAM) with a collar and eight symbolic charms to represent key anxiety management skills.…”

“…The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article and its supplementary materials. For full information please see Visagie ( 2016 ).…”

Assessing the effectiveness of animal therapy on alleviation of anxiety in pre-school children

“…Several studies have shown that childhood anxiety is a serious mental health problem (Visagie, Loxton and Silverman, 2015). Anxiety disorders have a high rate of comorbidity with other psychological disorders in children (Monga, Brimaher & Ciappetta, 2000).…”