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Table 2 Outline of anxiety prevention programme

From: Effectiveness of a cognitive behavioural therapy-based anxiety prevention programme for children: a preliminary quasi-experimental study in Japan

Session

Content

Study points

exercise focus*

1–2

Understanding feelings of anxiety

To understand that anxiety is an important feeling in order to protect you from danger and it is not necessary to totally eliminate anxiety

Clarify anxious object and set a target*

3

Body reactions and relaxation

To learn that anxiety and tension of both body and mind can be reduced by relaxation

Practice and acquire techniques of breathing and muscle relaxation*

4

Anxiety level stages and stair step exposure

To learn that it is important to gradually expose self to anxiety rather than to avoid it

Develop anxiety hierarchy table*

Climb anxiety ladder step by step (up to Session 10)*

5

Anxiety cognition model

To learn that cognition, behaviour, and feelings are closely connected to each other and the level of anxiety changes with cognitions

Develop a triangle of cognition, behaviour, and feeling*

6–7

Cognitive restructuring when anxious

To learn that anxiety can be reduced by reviewing and restructuring cognitions when anxious

Restructure cognition at anxious moments*

8

Assertiveness skills to reduce social stress

To learn assertiveness skills to avoid anxiety in interpersonal relationships

Study assertive ways of speaking*

9

Review

To review each session content with all participants

Reviewing sessions one to eight*

10

Summary

To confirm how anxiety level and self-confidence are changed by participating in ‘Journey of the Brave’

Graduation ceremony*

11–12

Follow-up

To re-learn what was taught in each stage of the journey with all participants

Reviewing sessions one to eight*