Search

The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis that continues to impact individuals worldwide. While children may be less susceptible to severe medical complications, they are nonetheless vulnerable to stress and anxiety associated with the pandemic. However, current understanding of psychological functioning and potential strategies to mitigate distress amid a pandemic is naturally limited. Consequently, this article is an attempt to fill that gap. Existing literature on pandemics, health-related anxieties, intolerance of uncertainty, and psychopathological sequelae is summarized within the context of the COVID-19 outbreak. Conclusions from the empirical data and emerging theoretical models are reviewed and synthesized. Finally, several potentially engaging and effective examples of developmentally appropriate interventions targeting intolerance of uncertainty and health-related anxieties in pediatric patients during the peri- and post-pandemic periods are described.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis that continues to impact individuals worldwide. While children may be less susceptible to severe medical complications, they are nonetheless vulnerable to stress and anxiety associated with the pandemic. However, current understanding of psychological functioning and potential strategies to mitigate distress amid a pandemic is naturally limited. Consequently, this article is an attempt to fill that gap. Existing literature on pandemics, health-related anxieties, intolerance of uncertainty, and psychopathological sequelae is summarized within the context of the COVID-19 outbreak. Conclusions from the empirical data and emerging theoretical models are reviewed and synthesized. Finally, several potentially engaging and effective examples of developmentally appropriate interventions targeting intolerance of uncertainty and health-related anxieties in pediatric patients during the peri- and post-pandemic periods are described.

The COVID-19 viral outbreak is a one in 100 year public health crisis. In addition to the stunning morbidity and mortality rates related to infection, multiple psychiatric sequelae erupted. Unfortunately, children and adolescents are neither immune to infection nor to the emotional consequences associated with the pandemic. Not surprisingly, the field's understanding of the psychological consequences of the viral outbreak are nascent. Consequently, this study examines the relationship between parents' and children's intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and their reactions to COVID-19. Seventy-three parents and 62 children participated in the on-line survey utilizing innovative measures of IU and COVID-19- related thoughts/behaviors. The results revealed remarkable similarities in parents' and children's responses. Parents' and children's reports of the impact of COVID on their lives were highly correlated (r =.53, df = 60, p <.001). Parents' perceptions of children's COVID-19 thoughts and behaviors were strongly aligned with the youths' self-report of their COVID reactions (r =.69, df = 60, p <.001) as well as the appraisal of the virus' impact on their lives (r =.-.42, df = 60, p <.001). Finally, children's reports of their COVID-19 related thoughts and behaviors were significantly linked to their IU (r =.60, df = 60, p <.001). Methodological limitations notwithstanding, the study's findings provide compelling implications for the conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of emotional distress in the peri- and post-pandemic periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirically supported treatments (EST) hold much promise in relieving psychological distress and dysfunction. However, various obstacles to effective training and clinical practice have truncated dissemination efforts. One such obstacle is the perceived applicability of EST procedures to raw world clinical practice. This article proposes a rubric for supervision that emphasizes case conceptualization, the use of immediacy in session, tolerating negative affect, harvesting open attitudes, cultural responsiveness, and technical proficiency. Several specific training strategies and supervisory processes are recommended. (Contains 1 figure.)

Investigated the causal explanations children use to account for common experiences. In the study, 60 preschoolers watched videotaped puppet shows designed to elicit causal attributions. Most children predominantly used internal, unstable, and specific attributions. (CB)

Behavioral health concerns are surging in pediatric practices. Fortunately, integrated behavioral/medical health clinics are growing and child psychiatrists/psychologists are increasingly embedded in these care settings to help shoulder the clinical load. Routine screening of behavioral health problems in primary care facilities enables early identification and treatment. However, deciding on sound, efficient, and scalable screening measures is sometimes arduous. Accordingly, this article presents a clinician‐friendly review of three common instruments useful in screening pediatric behavioral health concerns including anxiety, depression, and conduct problems. Psychometric findings and clinical applications of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist‐17 (PSC‐17), the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) are delineated. Finally, clinical implications and recommendations for practicing pediatricians and child psychiatrists are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article recounts a personal experience of the author, Robert D. Friedberg, where he was given the opportunity to drive his high school teacher's car on the football field. Despite his initial doubts and fears, the experience boosted his confidence and had a positive impact on his life. The author draws parallels between this experience and the importance of mentoring in helping trainees overcome self-doubt and develop their potential. The article emphasizes the role of mentors in expanding trainees' visions and providing them with opportunities to stretch their abilities and comfort zones. The author also highlights the importance of balancing challenging experiences with success to build confidence. [Extracted from the article]