(PS2-D96) Associations Between Parent Characteristics and Acceptability of Exposure-based Treatments for Child and Adolescent Anxiety

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the prevalence of anxiety among youth has grown substantially (Hawes et al., 2021; Panchal et al., 2021). Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), particularly exposure therapy, is the most effective treatment for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents (Kendall et al., 2005). However, little research has been done to explore parent acceptability of treatment for anxiety in children and adolescents, and no research has explored the acceptability of exposure for this population. The purpose of the present study was to examine parent acceptability of exposure therapy for child and adolescent anxiety. Furthermore, it sought to explore potential parent barriers to exposure therapy, namely parent anxiety, accommodation, and endorsement of negative beliefs about exposure. Parents completed a demographic questionnaire, the Clinically Useful Anxiety Outcome Scale (Zimmerman et al., 2010), and the Family Accommodation Scale – Anxiety (Lebowitz et al., 2013). They then watched a brief video of a clinician explaining exposure to the parent of a child client. Lastly, they completed an assessment of their beliefs about exposure and rated the acceptability of exposure utilizing the Treatment Evaluation Inventory (Kazdin, 1980). Parental anxiety, accommodation, and endorsement of negative beliefs about exposure were hypothesized to negatively correlate with the acceptability of exposure. Additionally, parent anxiety, accommodation, and endorsement of negative beliefs about exposure were hypothesized to positively correlate with each other. Exposure therapy was found to be acceptable by parents, as evidenced by a mean TEI-SF score that was above the cutoff for moderate acceptability and comparable to acceptability of other treatments for childhood psychological disorders (Pemberton & Borrego 2007; Stewart & Carlson, 2010). This finding is unique in that this is the first study to report on the level of acceptability of exposure for children and adolescents. No significant associations were found between acceptability and the other variables, but parental anxiety, accommodation, and beliefs about exposure were significantly associated with each other. This provides further support for the relationship between these parental variables and suggests that parents may find the treatment acceptable even if they endorse beliefs or engagement in behaviors, such as accommodation, that are contrary to exposure. Theoretical implications relating to our understanding of parental factors influencing acceptability of exposure and barriers to exposure, as well as clinical implications, will be discussed.