The friends: Prevention of anxiety and depression program in action

Anxiety is a significant psychological problem for many children today affecting their social and academic functioning. Research indicates that childhood anxiety can lead to anxiety and depression in adulthood and that early intervention in childhood anxiety is desirable.

This professional practicum report discussed the effectiveness and the practical implications for teachers and guidance officers wishing to run the FRIENDS: Prevention of Anxiety and Depression Program in schools. Although the program had applications for both childhood anxiety and depression, the focus of this study was on anxiety.

An action research methodology was used to report on the outcomes of FRIENDS as it was run in one Brisbane state school. The program was conducted over three months on a weekly, after -school basis, with a group of children who had been identified by teachers and the guidance officer as displaying anxious behaviours. Home activities involved parental assistance. Workshops were conducted to inform parents of the rationale and theoretical principles behind the program and to support them in the home activities.

The program effectiveness was monitored by pre- and post -questionnaires, interviews, observations and active researcher involvement in the program. Implications were discussed and recommendations made to guidance officers and teachers planning to conduct the program in school settings.