ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the rationale behind preschool anxiety prevention and an overview of the classification of prevention programs, followed by review of existing preschool anxiety prevention programs. Based on this review, preschool anxiety prevention programs can be classified as either universal, in which the intervention is provided regardless of risk status, or indicated, in which intervention is administered to children with shy/inhibited temperament. Further, approximately half of the programs were parent-only interventions, whereas the other half included direct intervention with both parents and their children. In addition most programs appear to be cognitive-behavioral. Based on an examination of effect sizes, preschool anxiety prevention programs appear to be effective at post-intervention; however, limited follow-up data was available. Additional limitations of the current research, directions for future research, and challenges related to the assessment of preschool anxiety prevention programs are also discussed.
