A longitudinal investigation of maternal and child 'anxious cognitions'

Creswell, C., O'Connor, T. G. and Brewin, C. R. (2006) A longitudinal investigation of maternal and child 'anxious cognitions'. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 30 (2). pp. 135-147. ISSN 0147-5916 doi: 10.1007/s10608-006-9021-1

Abstract/Summary

Overestimation of threat and underestimation of coping have been frequently reported amongst anxious adults and children. The current study examines the longitudinal relationship between mothers' anxious cognitions and expectations about their child, and children's anxious cognitions. 54 children (aged 10-11 years) and their mothers reported on their interpretation of ambiguous scenarios at two time points. Mothers also reported on their expectations about their child's reaction to ambiguous situations. Significant cross-sectional associations were found between mother and child anticipation of distress. Associations were most consistent between mothers' expectations and children's cognitions. Furthermore, based on regression analyses, mothers' expectations predicted change in children's anxious cognitions over time. Evidence for a reciprocal relationship, that child cognitions predict change in mothers' expectations, was found for girls. The results provide empirical support for potential influences on the development of children's 'anxious cognitive style,' and suggest targets for preventing and reducing maladaptive cognitions in children.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/14099
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Interdisciplinary centres and themes > Winnicott Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Anxiety and Depression in Young People (AnDY)
Uncontrolled Keywords	anxiety, cognition, children, mothers, ANXIETY DISORDERS, DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS, DEPRESSIVE COGNITIONS, AGGRESSIVE-CHILDREN, PARENTS, SYMPTOMS, FAMILY, MOTHERS, VULNERABILITY, THREAT
Download/View statistics	View download statistics for this item