Effects of the FRIENDS for Life Program on Anxiety, School Functioning, and Social Functioning

Abstract

The aim of the current pilot trial was to evaluate the effects of the group-based FRIENDS for Life (FFL) program on school and social functioning in children with elevated levels of anxiety. Participants were 15 children aged eight to 12 identified by their parents as experiencing elevated levels of anxiety. Children attended six two-hour sessions of the FFL program and completed measures of anxiety, school functioning, and social functioning at pre- and post-treatment. Results indicated nonsignificant reductions from pre- to post-treatment in both child- and parent-report anxiety with large and medium effect sizes, respectively. Working memory scores increased significantly and there was a trend toward a significant increase in academic performance; large within group effects were found for both increases. The increase in academic functioning scores was significant with a moderate effect size only for child-report scores. A significant improvement with a large effect size was found for child-report peer relations scores and significant decreases were found for parent-report asocial behaviour and relational aggression scores, both with moderate effect sizes. Overall, children in this study demonstrated improvements in anxiety, school functioning, and social functioning. While reduction in anxiety is the primary focus of the FFL program additional benefits include improvements in school and social functioning. Though results are encouraging it is important to note that this was an uncontrolled pilot study with a small sample size. Thus results should be interpreted with caution. Nevertheless, the generally positive findings of this trial suggest a larger controlled trial is warranted. If these findings are replicated in a larger trial, the FFL may be a cost-effective, easily implemented, and versatile anxiety prevention program that can help change the trajectory of anxious children’s school and social functioning.