Engaging Families: New Study Highlights Effective Treatment for Childhood Anxiety

A recent study conducted by researchers at Murdoch University has revealed that treatment for childhood depression and anxiety is significantly more effective when parents and caregivers are actively involved in the therapeutic process. The study, led by Dr. Kim Lee Kho and co-authored by Dr. Renita Almeida, introduces the Behaviour Exchange and Systems Therapy – Foundations (BEST-F) model, emphasizing the importance of family engagement in mental health interventions.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a marked increase in clinically elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression among children globally, leaving many parents feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how to provide support. Dr. Kho's research highlights that family-based interventions, particularly the BEST-F model, are crucial in assisting children, particularly those aged 3 to 11, in mitigating internalized distress.

"Children mirror the emotional cues of their caregivers. When they see parents engaging with a therapist openly and honestly, it gives them permission to do the same," explained Dr. Kho. The study found that children whose families participated in BEST-F sessions exhibited a notable reduction in symptoms such as withdrawal, sadness, and suppressed anxiety, alongside improvements in emotional expression.

Dr. Renita Almeida, co-author of the study, further emphasized the family's role in emotional development. "We know children exist within multiple systems, but the family system is foundational," stated Dr. Almeida. She noted that caregiving environments significantly influence the development and transmission of anxiety and depression, yet families possess substantial potential for healing and growth.

Participants in the study reported lasting improvements in communication and emotional closeness within their families. One parent remarked, "I felt heard and seen by you [therapist] when we talked about what I’ve experienced in the past. I felt safe, and that changed everything for me, and my family could tell the difference too." Similarly, a child participant shared, "I feel it’s safe talking about it here… now I can tell Mum when I’m upset if something happens at school or with Dad."

The research also indicated that engaging the entire family system leads to long-term benefits. Follow-up evaluations revealed sustained improvements in family functioning, parent wellbeing, and children’s emotional health. Dr. Almeida concluded, "BEST-F creates ripples; the improvements don’t just stop with the child. They radiate outward into parental wellbeing and the broader family dynamic."

With promising results from this study, Dr. Kho expressed hope for larger clinical trials and broader implementation of the BEST-F model in community settings. This research is part of an expanding body of work that underscores the significance of relational and systems-based approaches in child mental health interventions, suggesting that collaborative family engagement may be the key to effectively combating childhood anxiety and depression.

The full study is accessible through Murdoch University’s academic publications, providing insights into innovative therapeutic approaches that could reshape how childhood mental health issues are treated in the future.