Children encouraged to be fearless, not anxious

University of Queensland researchers are seeking families of anxious children to participate in a ground-breaking intervention called Fear-less.

Professor Matthew Sanders from the School of Psychology said an anxious child could suffer from problems with low self-esteem, social isolation, academic difficulties and an increased risk of psychiatric disorders.

The founder of the world-renowned Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) said he was specifically seeking children aged seven to 12.

“Fear-less is a novel parenting intervention developed in conjunction with UQ’s leading child anxiety researcher Dr Vanessa Cobham,” Professor Sanders said.

“Anxiety is the most common psychological complaint experienced by children and adolescents and we aim to decrease those symptoms.

“We also hope that the results will have a broader impact on the community, highlighting the importance of parental involvement.”

Participating families will have the opportunity to undertake a thorough psychological assessment prior to a free six-week individual program.

Each week will consist of a 90-minute session held at UQ’s St Lucia campus.

Further information can be obtained via the Fear-less website.

Those interested in participating can contact project co-ordinator Clarissa Lui on 0478 533 275 or Clarissa.lui@uq.net.au

Media: Paddy Hintz at UQ communications +61 431 706 822, p.hintz@uq.edu.au