A Self-Efficacy Measure for Use During Exposure in CBT Therapy for Childhood Anxiety Disorders

ABSTRACT Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure is an effective treatment for childhood anxiety disorders; however, by nature it may involve much discomfort, often rendering engagement during exposure a challenge. An examination of factors related to engagement during exposure in CBT for anxiety is needed; yet, a search of the extant literature found few appropriate assessment tools. Thus, the current study focuses on developing and testing a measure of self-efficacy specific to exposure tasks, a construct likely to contribute to engagement during exposures. Twenty-four parent-child dyads were recruited, and parent, child, and clinician assessments were completed. Analyses revealed significant increases in self-efficacy in tandem with reductions in anxiety symptoms and increases in social and family functioning. Internal consistency was acceptable to excellent across time. Observed effect sizes were promising, warranting greater investigation of the self-efficacy measure. Further investigation into factors contributing to child engagement during exposure in CBT for anxiety is needed.