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Evaluation of a Primary Prevention Program for Anxiety Disorders Using Story Books with Children Aged 9–12 Years

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Abstract

This article reports the results of a study evaluating a book-supported primary prevention program “Dominique’s Handy Tricks” for anxiety disorders in children aged 9–12 years. This cognitive-behavioural program is delivered using a combination of storybooks and workshop sessions. The originality of the program comes from the use of storybooks that were not developed specifically for anxiety management. Every session is based on a story describing characters facing common stressors and how they manage to cope with their daily problems. In our randomized control trial with 46 children, participation in the program led to a significant improvement in coping skills, perceived self-efficacy, anxiety sensitivity, as well as in symptoms of anxiety and fear. The theoretical and practical elements underlying the delivery of this primary prevention program are described. Conclusion: It is suggested that such an approach, without any labelling specific to anxiety disorders, can be useful in primary prevention programs.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Michael J. Cunningham and Sophie Côté for their assistance in reviewing the paper. The data collection for this project was supported by a grant from the Régie Régionale de la Santé et des Services Sociaux de l’Outaouais and the Canada Research Chairs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept de Psychoéducation et de psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Succ “Hull” C. P. 1250, Gatineau, QC, J8X 3X7, Canada

    Stéphane Bouchard, Jean Gervais & Claudie Loranger

  2. Private Practice, Montreal, Canada

    Nadia Gagnier

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  1. Stéphane Bouchard
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  2. Jean Gervais
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  3. Nadia Gagnier
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  4. Claudie Loranger
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Correspondence to Stéphane Bouchard.

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Bouchard, S., Gervais, J., Gagnier, N. et al. Evaluation of a Primary Prevention Program for Anxiety Disorders Using Story Books with Children Aged 9–12 Years. J Primary Prevent 34, 345–358 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-013-0317-0

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