Introduction
Understanding anxiety in preschool children is crucial for early intervention and better mental health outcomes. A recent study, "Psychometric properties of Nepalese preschool anxiety scale among preschool children: A cross-sectional study," sheds light on the utility of the Preschool Anxiety Scale (PAS) in assessing anxiety symptoms in young children in Nepal. This blog explores the study's findings and implications for practitioners working with preschoolers.
Key Findings
The study involved 680 mothers from Kathmandu, who assessed their children aged 3-6 using the PAS. The research aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Nepali version of the PAS. Here are the key findings:
- The PAS-Parent version demonstrated fair psychometric properties, supporting its use in screening anxiety symptoms in Nepalese preschoolers.
- Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that a 25-item version of the PAS provided a better fit than the original 28-item model.
- Internal consistency was good, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.87 for the PAS-Parent version.
- Age and sex differences were statistically significant, with older children showing higher anxiety levels, possibly due to transitions like starting school.
Implications for Practitioners
The findings of this study offer valuable insights for practitioners working with preschool children. Here are some practical implications:
- Early Identification: The PAS can be a valuable tool for early identification of anxiety symptoms, allowing for timely intervention and support.
- Customized Interventions: Understanding the specific anxiety symptoms prevalent in different age groups can help tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each child.
- Parental Involvement: Engaging parents in the assessment process can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the child's anxiety and facilitate collaborative intervention strategies.
- Cultural Considerations: Practitioners should consider cultural factors that may influence anxiety symptoms and tailor interventions accordingly.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, it also highlights the need for further research in this area. Practitioners are encouraged to explore the following:
- Longitudinal Studies: Conducting longitudinal studies can provide insights into the stability of anxiety symptoms over time and their long-term impact on development.
- Cross-Cultural Comparisons: Comparing anxiety symptoms and assessment tools across different cultures can enhance our understanding of cultural influences on anxiety.
- Intervention Efficacy: Evaluating the effectiveness of different intervention strategies for preschool anxiety can guide best practices for practitioners.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Psychometric properties of Nepalese preschool anxiety scale among preschool children: A cross-sectional study.
