Augmenting Exposure Therapy With Self-Distancing

Anxiety is prevalent, impairing, and costly in childhood. Evidence-based treatments for pediatric anxiety exist; however, as many as 40-60% of youth do not demonstrate optimal response. By identifying psychological factors that potentiate symptom severity and treatment response, it may be possible to strengthen these factors to treat, or even prevent the development of youth emotional disorders. This study aims to examine whether the combination of Exposure and Self-Distancing is a feasible, acceptable, and efficient intervention for increasing perseverance in the face of exposures. This will be measured by child and parent report of treatment acceptability, examination of attendance and dropout rates, as well as participant and therapist report of participant engagement during exposures.