(PS5-44) Parental Cognitions and Childhood Anxiety: A Systematic Review

Objective: Given the well-established link between maladaptive parenting behaviors (e.g., control, accommodation) and the development and maintenance of childhood anxiety, it is important to understand parental cognitions that may underlie these parenting behaviors. As noted by Johnston et al. (2018), parental cognitions reflect how parents think about their children and their parenting and range from stable beliefs and schemas to more dynamic perceptions and attributions of particular situations. This systematic review examines the relationship between parental cognitions and childhood anxiety-related outcomes. Three domains of parental cognitions about their child or parent-child interactions are examined: worries and threats related to the child’s environment, their child’s anxiety, and parenting in the context of child anxiety.

Methods: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic electronic database search of PubMed, PsycINFO, ProQuest Psychology, and EBSCO Child and Adolescent Studies in February 2024. Peer-reviewed, quantitative studies were included if they examined the association between parental cognitions and childhood anxiety-related outcomes in a sample of parents of children and adolescents ages 0-19. Two independent reviewers screened articles with the assistance of Rayyan, a widely used systematic review software. Following screening, reviewers will independently assess the quality of the included studies using the 20-item quality of survey studies in psychology checklist (Q-SSP; Protogerou & Hagger, 2020).

Results: Preliminary results indicate that 32 articles met inclusion criteria of the 9,601 citations initially identified. Additionally, 3 articles were identified from the reference lists of the included articles. Full review of the identified articles is ongoing and will be completed by April 2024. Initial analysis of these articles has revealed several findings. First, a small but consistent body of research shows that parents’ worries about threats in their children’s environment are associated with increased child anxiety symptoms. Second, a relatively large number of studies indicate that parents’ negative beliefs about anxiety and negative expectations of their child’s coping are associated with child anxiety and anxiety-related outcomes. Finally, while fewer studies have examined parental cognitions about parenting in the context of childhood anxiety, findings suggest that parents’ beliefs in the utility of intrusive or accommodating parenting practices may be associated with increased child anxiety symptoms.

Discussion: Based on limitations identified from the current body of research, recommendations for future research include conducting longitudinal studies to examine the directionality of the relationship between parental cognitions and childhood anxiety, investigating the relationship between parental cognitions and behaviors, and exploring the role of cultural factors and contexts. Findings from this systematic review may hone in on the ways that parental cognitions may serve as a unique risk factor for the development of childhood anxiety and a potential target for prevention and early intervention efforts.