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A Longitudinal Investigation of Maternal and Child ‘Anxious Cognitions’

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Abstract

Overestimation of threat and underestimation of coping have been frequently reported amongst anxious adults and children. The current study examines the longitudinal relationship between mothers’ anxious cognitions and expectations about their child, and children's anxious cognitions. 54 children (aged 10–11 years) and their mothers reported on their interpretation of ambiguous scenarios at two time points. Mothers also reported on their expectations about their child's reaction to ambiguous situations. Significant cross-sectional associations were found between mother and child anticipation of distress. Associations were most consistent between mothers’ expectations and children's cognitions. Furthermore, based on regression analyses, mothers’ expectations predicted change in children's anxious cognitions over time. Evidence for a reciprocal relationship, that child cognitions predict change in mothers’ expectations, was found for girls. The results provide empirical support for potential influences on the development of children's ‘anxious cognitive style,’ and suggest targets for preventing and reducing maladaptive cognitions in children.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Islington Education Authority, the participating schools, the children and their parents for all their help. We would also like to thank Norah Breslin, Loanda Cullen, David Younger, Vicki Preston-Ladd and Katie Law for their assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Winnicott Research Unit, School of Psychology, University of Reading, 3 Earley Gate, P.O. Box 218, Reading, RG6 6AL,, Whiteknights, U.K.

    Cathy Creswell

  2. Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA

    Thomas G. O’Connor

  3. Sub-department of Clinical Health Psychology, University College London, London, U.K.

    Chris R. Brewin

Authors
  1. Cathy Creswell
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  2. Thomas G. O’Connor
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  3. Chris R. Brewin
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Correspondence to Cathy Creswell.

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Creswell, C., O’Connor, T.G. & Brewin, C.R. A Longitudinal Investigation of Maternal and Child ‘Anxious Cognitions’. Cogn Ther Res 30, 135–147 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-006-9021-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-006-9021-1

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