title: Factors associated with practitioners' use of exposure therapy for childhood anxiety disorders.
abstract: The current study examines factors related to use of exposure therapy by clinicians who treat children with anxiety disorders. A sample of 331 therapists from a variety of backgrounds (i.e., social workers, doctoral psychologists, masters level counselors, and marriage and family therapists) completed a survey regarding use of exposure and other treatment techniques for childhood anxiety disorders, as well as beliefs about exposure and child resiliency. Although the majority of therapists endorsed a CBT orientation (81%) and use of CBT techniques, exposure therapy was rarely endorsed. Holding a PhD in psychology as well as more positive beliefs about exposure and child resiliency were associated with greater use of exposure. The results suggest that exposure-based therapy is rarely offered in community settings and that dissemination should focus on individual evidence-based principles and correcting therapist misconceptions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, United States. Electronic address: whiteside.stephen@mayo.edu.
authors.forename: Stephen P H
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Whiteside
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Australia.
authors.forename: Brett J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Deacon
authors.affiliation: Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Bradley Hospital, United States.
authors.forename: Kristen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Benito
authors.affiliation: Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Bradley Hospital, United States.
authors.forename: Elyse
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005196:Family Therapy; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D007171:Implosive Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male
keywords: Anxiety disorders; CBT; Child; Community; Exposure; Treatment