Class 8 - Middle Childhood: Anxiety

Question 1

Middle childhood brings the start of learning about oneself. What do these children learn about themselves? (3,5)

Answer 1

1. Psychological self
   - personality traits
   - Development of self-efficacy
2. The valued self (ie. making comparisons)
   - self-esteem
3. Relationships and social status

in pre-learning

Question 2

1 in 4 middle school children suffer from anxiety. Why is anxiety problematic?

Answer 2

• child fails to move beyond the fears associated with a particular problem, or when anxiety interferes with functioning over an extended period of time

Question 3

Does genetic predisposition determined if a child will have anxiety?

Answer 3

no

Question 4

What is separation anxiety? (2)

Answer 4

• Excessively anxious when separated from/or anticipated separation from home or parental figures
• can stem from traumatic events

Question 5

What are the symptoms of separation anxiety (3)

Answer 5

• excessive distress when separated/anticipated
• excessive worries about parents/siblings will be harmed
• physical/somatic symptoms of anxiety

ex. refusing to sleep unless parents are near, fear of being home alone w/o parents

Question 6

What is generalized anxiety? (2)

Answer 6

• Excessive worry or anxiety per routine activities such as school, family, or sport
• 10% of children/adolescents, with average age of onset being 8.5

Question 7

What are the symptoms of generalized anxiety? (3)

Answer 7

• becoming upset over minor issues
• seeking reassurance
• Physical and somatic symptoms of anxiety

basically worried about everything

Question 8

What is social anxiety?

Answer 8

intense fear and anxiety of social events/activities

Question 9

What are the symptoms of social anxiety? (2)

Answer 9

• difficulty speaking in class or concentrating
• physical and somatic symptoms

Question 10

In lecture, what are the extreme symptoms of social anxiety? (2)

Answer 10

• refusal to go to school, participate in other activities, or see friends
• difficulty eating or sleeping

Question 11

How can we support children with anxiety? (6, 7)

Answer 11

1. Assess parent and child relationship/attachment
2. Assess relationships among other people/family members
3. Listening
   - The goal is to help the child feel safe and comfortable so they can speak openly
4. Assess developmental level and determine whether regression is/has occurred
5. Assess for symptoms of anxiety and coping styles
6. Consult with MD and school counsellor

Question 12

Why is it important that parents have a good relationship with their children, in terms of attachment?

Answer 12

• securely attached children have better emotional regulation

Question 13

What is self-regulation?

Answer 13

• Children’s ability to conform to parental standards of behaviour without direct supervision