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Research updates
The research behind Coping Cat and our programs
Studies on the nature of anxiety in youth, the treatments that work, and practical findings to guide your sessions.
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The evidence behind the work
As a resource to parents and professionals, we keep this page updated with research in child and adolescent anxiety. Open a category to see its articles; select a title to read the abstract or full text.
01Research evaluating our programs7 articles · Camp Cope-A-Lot, computer-assisted CBT, and parent training
Computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy for children with epilepsy and anxiety: A pilot studyBlocher, J. B., Fujikawa, M., Sung, C., Jackson, D. C., & Jones, J. E. (2013).Epilepsy & Behavior, 27(1), 70-76.
A pilot study of computer-assisted cognitive-behavioral therapy for childhood anxiety in community mental health centersCrawford, E.A., Salloum, A., Lewin, A.B., Andel, R., Murphy, T.K., & Storch, E.A. (2013).Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 27(3), 221-234.
Computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy for child anxiety: Results of a randomized clinical trialKhanna, M. S., & Kendall, P. C. (2010)Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 78(5), 737–45.
Computer assisted CBT for child anxiety: the Coping Cat CD RomKhanna, M. S. and Kendall, P. C. (2008).Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 15, 159–165.
Consumers and providers perceptions of utilizing a computerized cognitive behavioral therapy for childhood anxietySalloum, A., Crawford, E.A., Lewin, A.B., & Storch, E.A. (2013).Behavioral and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 1-11.
A randomized controlled trial in community mental health centers of computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy versus treatment as usual for children with anxietyStorch, E.A., Salloum, A., King, M.A., Crawford, E.A., Andel, R., McBride, N.M., Lewin, A.B. (2015).Depression and Anxiety, 32(11). DOI: 10.1002/da.22399
Web-Based Parent-Training for Parents of Youth with Impairment from AnxietyKhanna, M.S., Carper, M.M., Harris, M.S. & Kendall, P.C. (2017)Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Vol. 2, Iss. 1, 2017
02The nature and features of anxiety in youth8 articles · Who is affected and how anxiety shows up
Behavioral Inhibition and Anxiety: The Moderating Roles of Inhibitory Control and Attention ShiftingJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 39(5), 735-747.
Why it mattersA study found that high levels of attention shifting decreased the risk for anxiety problems in children with high levels of behavioral inhibition, whereas high levels of inhibitory control increased the risk for anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety Impacts School FunctioningSchool functioning in youth with and without anxiety disorders: Comparisons by diagnosis and comorbidity.Mychailyszyn, M. P., Méndez, J. L., & Kendall, P. C. (2010)School Psychology Review, 39(1), 106–121.
Why it mattersUsing reports from parents and teachers, nonanxious youth had better school functioning than anxious youth.
Anxiety Affects a Very Wide Range of YouthClinical Characteristics of Anxiety Disordered YouthKendall, P. C., Compton, S. N., Walkup, J. T., Birmaher, B., Albano, A. M., Sherrill, J., Ginsburg, G., et al. (2010)Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 24(3), 360–5.
Why it mattersThis study reports on the gender, ethnicity, age, and type of anxiety seen in a sample of 488 children and adolescents from 6 cities in the United States.
Positive Emotions HelpEffect of a positive emotional state on interpretation bias for threat in children with anxiety disordersHughes, A. & Kendall, P. C. (2008)Emotion, 8(3), 414–418.
Why it mattersAnxious youth have a bias to see threat and danger, but this is reduced when they are in a positive emotional state.
Parents May Also SufferAnxiety, mood, and substance use disorders in parents of children with anxiety disordersHughes, A., Furr, J. M., Sood, E. D., Barmish, A. J., & Kendall, P. C. (2009)Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 40(3), 405–19.
Why it mattersIf psychological problems are present for parents, they may want to secure help for themselves.
Some Difficulties in Families of Anxious YouthFamily functioning in families of children with anxiety disordersHughes, A., Hedtke, K., & Kendall, P. C. (2008)Journal of Family Psychology, 22(2), 325–328.
Why it mattersThere are some difficulties in the family functioning of youth with anxiety disorders, and addressing these challenges, if present, can be helpful.
Worries and ObsessionsObsessing/worrying about the overlap between obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in youthComer, J. S., Kendall, P. C., Franklin, M. E., Hudson, J. L., & Pimentel, S. S. (2004)Clin Psychol Rev. 2004 Oct; 24(6):663-83.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder in youth: Diagnostic ConsiderationsBenjamin, C.L., Beidas, R.S., Comer, J.S., Puliafico, A.C., & Kendall, P.C. (2011)Depression and Anxiety, 28, 173-182.
03Research evaluating treatments8 articles · Coping Cat trials, CAMS, and long-term outcomes
Beneficial Effects of Psychological Treatment, Medication and their CombinationCognitive behavioral therapy, sertraline, or a combination in childhood anxiety.Walkup, J. T., Albano, A. M., Piacentini, J., Birmaher, B., Compton, S. N., Sherrill, J. T., Ginsburg, G. S., et al. (2008)The New England Journal of Medicine, 359(26), 2753–66.
Why it mattersThis study found that both psychological treatment (the Coping Cat Program) and medication (sertraline), as well as their combination, were effective in the reduction of anxiety in children and adolescents.
Computer-Assisted Treatment Found to be EffectiveComputer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy for child anxiety: Results of a randomized clinical trialKhanna, M. S., & Kendall, P. C. (2010)Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 78(5), 737–45.
Why it mattersA computer-assisted treatment was developed and found to be feasible, and to result in beneficial gains.
A Case Series of Attention Modification in Clinically Anxious YouthsRozenman, M., Weersing, V.R., Amir, N. (2011)Behaviour Research and Therapy, 49(5), 324-330.
Why it mattersA case series examined the initial efficacy of a four-week attention modification program designed to train attention away from threat in 16 children and adolescents (ages 10 to 17) diagnosed with DSM-IV anxiety disorders. Overall, youths experienced a significant decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms.
Emotion RegulationChanges in emotion regulation following cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxious youthSuveg, C., Sood, E., Comer, J. S., & Kendall, P. C. (2009)Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 38(3), 390–401.
Why it mattersTreating anxiety in youth can help with their ability to regulate emotion.
Evaluating Child-Focused and Family-Focused TreatmentsCognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disordered youth: A randomized clinical trial evaluating child and family modalitiesKendall, P. C., Hudson, J. L., Gosch, E., Flannery-Schroeder, E., & Suveg, C. (2008)Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 76(2), 282–97.
Why it mattersCBT for anxiety in youth, in both child-focused and family-focused formats, was found to be an effective intervention.
Evaluating a Treatment (the Coping Cat Program) for Child AnxietyTherapy for youths with anxiety disorders: A second randomized clinical trialKendall, P. C., Flannery-Schroeder, E., Panichelli-Mindel, S. M., Southam-Gerow, M., Henin, A., & Warman, M. (1997)Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 65(3), 366–80.
Why it mattersIncluding a 1-year follow-up, treated youth were found to have experienced significant gains. Exposure tasks were identified as an important component of treatment.
Long-term outcomes after treatmentAnxiety and related outcomes in young adults 7 to 19 years after receiving treatment for child anxiety.Benjamin, C., Harrison, J., Settipani, C., Brodman, D., & Kendall, P.C. (2013).Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 81, 865-876.
Long-term follow-up of a cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety-disordered youthKendall, P. C., & Southam-Gerow, M. A. (1996)Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64(4), 724–30.
Why it mattersPreviously reported treatment gains were maintained.
04Suggestions to help intervention12 articles · Exposure, parents, and flexibility within fidelity
Think Exposure Tasks!Considering CBT with anxious youth? Think exposures.Kendall, P., Robin, J., Hedtke, K., Suveg, C., Flannery-Schroeder, E., & Gosch, E. (2005)Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 12, 136–150.
Why it mattersWhen considering what to do about distressing anxiety...”Think Exposures”
The Power of Non-Negative ThinkingThe role of self-statements as a mediator in treatment for youth with anxiety disordersKendall, P. C., & Treadwell, K. R. H. (2007)Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 75(3), 380–9.
Why it mattersChanges in children’s self-talk helps explain how to overcome anxiety.
Safety Seeking and Exposure TasksSafety-seeking and coping behavior during exposure tasks with anxious youthHedtke, K. A., Kendall, P. C., & Tiwari, S. (2009)Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 38(1), 1–15.
Why it mattersCoping with anxiety, not seeking safety, can be beneficial.
Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)Anxiety disorders in typically developing youth: Autism spectrum symptoms as a predictor of cognitive-behavioral treatmentPuleo, C. M., & Kendall, P. C. (2011)Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41(3), 275–86.
Why it mattersInvolving parents, and homework, facilitates anxiety reduction for youth with ASD.
Try Not to Be “Over” InvolvedParental responses to positive and negative emotions in anxious and non-anxious childrenHudson, J. L., Comer, J. S., & Kendall, P. C. (2008)Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 37(2), 303–13.
Why it mattersGiving your child some control, mothers’ not solving matters for the anxious children, may be helpful.
“Transferring control” can be helpfulExploring the role of parent training in the treatment of childhood anxietyKhanna, M. S. & Kendall, P. C. (2009)Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 77(5), 981–6.
Why it mattersIt’s a good idea for parents to grant some control to their children, and to learn some skills to manage their own anxiety
Smoothing the Trail: Being Flexible While Following the ManualSmoothing the trail for dissemination of evidence-based practices for youth: Flexibility within fidelityKendall, P. C., & Beidas, R. S. (2007)Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 38(1), 13–20.
Why it mattersConsiderations of ways to facilitate the implementation of evidence-based practice in community settings.
Parents Can Help Children Regulate Their Emotions“I’d rather not talk about it”: Emotion parenting in families of children with an anxiety disorderSuveg, C., Sood, E., Barmish, A., Tiwari, S., Hudson, J. L., & Kendall, P. C. (2008)Journal of Family Psychology, 22(6), 875–84.
Why it mattersHow emotions are explained and addressed by parents can help youth manage anxiety.
Flexible Applications of the Coping Cat ProgramFlexible applications of the Coping Cat Program for anxious youthBeidas, R. S., Benjamin, C. L., Puleo, C. M., Edmunds, J. M., & Kendall, P. C. (2010)Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 17(2), 142–153.
Why it mattersDescribes ways to implement treatment, with flexibility, to reach different youth.
Flexibility Within FidelityFlexibility within fidelityKendall, P. C., Gosch, E., Furr, J. M., & Sood, E. (2008)Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 47(9), 987–93.
Why it mattersConsiders and describes the essential features of effective treatment for youth anxiety.
The FEAR Plan Comes to LifeThe Coping Cat Program for anxious youth: The FEAR plan comes to lifePodell, J. L., Mychailyszyn, M., Edmunds, J., Puleo, C. M., & Kendall, P. C. (2010)Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 17(2), 132–141.
Why it mattersDescribes a flexible application of problem-solving (FEAR plan) with anxious youth.
Not to Be Concerned: Exposure Tasks are OKIn-session exposure tasks and therapeutic alliance across the treatment of childhood anxiety disordersKendall, P. C., Comer, J. S., Marker, C. D., Creed, T. A., Puliafico, A. C., Hughes, A. A., Martin, E. D., et al. (2009)Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 77(3), 517–525.
Why it mattersThe therapeutic alliance, as viewed by the child, the therapist, the mother, and the father, is not damaged by the implementation of exposure tasks
05Reviews of published works7 articles · Summaries across many studies
Advances in pharmacotherapy for pediatric anxiety disorders.Rynn, M., Puliafico, A., Heleniak, C., Rikhi, P., Ghalib, K., Vidair, H. (2011)Depression and Anxiety, 28(1), 76-87.
Why it mattersA review was conducted on treatment advances for pharmacotherapy for pediatric anxiety disorders. Current research supports serotonin reuptake inhibitors as the medication class to be the first-line treatment option for pediatric anxiety disorders.
Consider Theories of EmotionThe role of emotion theory and research in child therapy developmentSuveg, C., Southam-Gerow, M. A., Goodman, K. L., & Kendall, P. C. (2007)Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 14(4), 358–371.Clinical Psychology Review, 24(6), 663–83.
Why it mattersPrevention and therapy can be enhanced when guided by theories of emotional development. Although these problems are related, researchers try to identify distinctive features.
Diagnoses Can Be Helpful, But It’s Not Always Easy to Categorize YouthProblems for the book of problems? Diagnosing mental health disorders among youthKendall, P. C., & Drabick, D. A. (2010)Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 17(4), 265–271.
Why it mattersA discussion of the issues facing the diagnosis of mental health problems in children and adolescents.
Disasters Can and Do Affect YouthDisasters and youth: A meta-analytic examination of posttraumatic stressFurr, J. M., Comer, J. S., Edmunds, J. M., & Kendall, P. C. (2010)Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 78(6), 765–80.
Why it mattersThis paper reviews the studies of disasters, identifying the effects on their adjustment.
Computer-Assisted TreatmentComputer-assisted CBT for child anxiety: The Coping Cat CD-ROMKhanna, M. & Kendall, P. C. (2008)Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 15, 159–165. Considers and describes features of a computer-assisted program for helping anxious youth
Progress in Child Anxiety ResearchNo need to worry: The promising future of child anxiety researchKendall, P. C., Settipani, C. & Cummings, C. (2012)Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 41, 103-115.
Treatment of Child AnxietyTreating anxiety disorders in youth. In P. C. Kendall (Ed.), Child and adolescent therapy: Cognitive-behavioral procedures (4th ed.)Kendall, P. C. (2012)New York: Guilford Press.
06Research on assessment and methodology5 articles · Measures, competencies, and therapist factors
A Model of Therapist Competencies for the Empirically Supported Cognitive Behavioral Treatment of Child and Adolescent Anxiety and Depressive DisordersClinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 14(1), 89-109.
Why it mattersUsing the Delphi technique, researchers identified an empirically derived set of competencies necessary for effectively treating children and adolescents with anxiety and depressive disorders, which has wide implications for the development of therapist training, competence assessment measures, and evidence-based practice guidelines for working with this population.
Therapist Factors and Outcomes in CBT for Anxiety in YouthPodell, J., Kendall, P. C., Gosch, E., Compton, S., March, J., Albano, A .M., Rynn, M., Walkup, J., Sherrill, J., Ginsburg, G., Keeton, C., Birmaher, B., & Piacentini, J. C. (2013).Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 44, 89-98.
“You can do it!”: The Role of Parental Encouragement to Approach Fears in Child Anxiety TreatmentSilk, J. S, Sheeber, L., Tan P., Ladouceur, C., Forbes, E., McMakin, D., Dahl, R., Siegle, G., Kendall, P.C., Mannarino, A. & Ryan, N. (2013)Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 27, 439-446.
Characteristics of Exposure Sessions as Predictors of Treatment Response in Anxious YouthTiwari, S., Kendall, P.C., Hoff, A., Harrison, J., & Fizur, P. (2013).Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 42, 34-43.
Diagnostic Efficiency of the Child and Parent Versions of the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC)Villabø, M. A., Gere, M. K., Torgersen, S., March, J. S., & Kendall, P. C. (2012).Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 41, 75-85.
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