Anxiety disorders constitute the most commonly diagnosed problem in children and adolescents (Prout & Brown, 2007). Young children often develop fears or phobias of imaginary objects, animals, the dark, and heights. Adolescents frequently develop fears of death, criticism, failure, and the fear of the unknown. Many of the interventions used for child and adolescent phobias focus on behavioral techniques such as desensitization, imagery, and social skills training. External factors such as the environment, culture, society, family, and contemporary media also can influence the development and persistence of a phobia.
For this Discussion, select a common child or adolescent phobia and consider the external factors that may contribute to its development and persistence.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post by Day 4 a brief description of a common child or adolescent fear or phobia. Then, explain at least three potential factors (environment, culture, society, family, or media) that may contribute to the development and persistence of the phobia and explain how. Finally, explain one way you might help the parents/guardians support their child or adolescent to overcome the fear or phobia. Be specific.
References:
- Flamez, B. & Sheperis, C. J. (2015). Diagnosing and treating children and adolescents: A guide for clinical and school settings. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Chapter 3 “Developing and Evaluating Client Treatment Plansâ€
Chapter 10 “Anxiety Disordersâ€
- Burnham, J. J. (2009). Contemporary fears of children and adolescents: Coping and resiliency in the 21st Century. Journal of Counseling and Development, 87(1), 28–35.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases. - Flatt, N., & King, N. (2008). Building the case for brief psychointerventions in the treatment of specific phobias in children and adolescents. BehaviourChange, 25(4), 191–200.
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