Pages: 21-33

Abstract

Background Separation Anxiety in children is a disorder with negative impacts on social harmony and relationships with peers. Without proper treatment, it may, over time, lead to other anxiety disorders or negative performances in various aspects in adulthood. It is associated with many problems and, therefore, the identification of effective treatment for this disorder, including Child –Parent Relationship Training (CPRT) to alleviate separation anxiety in children was the purpose of this research. Methods This was an experimental study with pre-test, post-test and follow-ups (2 and 3 months) along with a control group. Using multi-stage cluster sampling, 388 children was selected from pre-school and first grade levels in the city of Qom (Iran). After screening, 76 children showed symptoms of separation anxiety disorder; from them, 31 children were selected randomly and divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received CPRT, individually; while the control group received no intervention. "Child Symptom Inventory" was used to collect data in four stages: pre-test, post-test and two follow-ups (2 and 3 months). Analysis of variance with repeated measurements test applied to data. Results statistical tests showed significant difference between control and experimental groups. In addition, the results showed that the variables of time and interaction between treatment, gender and age were statistically significant (α=0.05). Also, the 2- and 3-months treatment period showed significant reduction in separation anxiety in children. Conclusions In general, the results of the present study confirm the effectiveness of CPRT in reducing symptoms of separation anxiety in children of both sexes aged 6-7 years. With respect to the effectiveness of CPRT, the use of this protocol is recommended.