The mechanisms of therapeutic change : a qualitative study of a cognitive-behavioral intervention with a parent-training component for anxious youth

Anxiety is one of the most common psychological disorders in school-age children, which has detrimental impact on behavioral, social, and emotional functioning. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has demonstrated effectiveness in treating youth with anxiety disorders; however, little is known about how or why this intervention is beneficial. This study explores the mechanisms of therapeutic change in anxious children and adolescents by evaluating clients’ perspectives through semi-structured interviews. A qualitative research method will be used to assess the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of youth and parents who participate in a cognitive-behavioral intervention program with a parent-training component. Specifically, grounded theory will be used to collect and analyze data and generate a theory, which explains the mechanisms of positive therapeutic change.