Research project
Learn to Dare!
The ‘Leer te Durven!’ program (Learn to Dare) is a preventive training program for children with mild anxiety symptoms (Simon & Bögels, 2014). The program has been developed for children between the ages of 8 and 12 who feel or behave anxiously, avoid situations, are afraid of doing things wrong, appear anxious or stressed, are negative about themselves, are very shy and worry a lot.
- Contact
- Anke Klein
‘Leer te Durven!’ is given in a group setting and consists of 8 meetings of 1.5 hours. During these meetings, children practice with situations that they fear (exposure), as well as learning to gain more self-confidence and to think more positively (helping thoughts). The children will also do relaxation and social skills exercises within the group. The Knowledge center for Anxiety and Stress in youth works together with LUBEC in Leiden, where the program will run.
The aim of this program is to help children with mild anxiety symptoms as early as possible in order to avoid hindering their development and prevent their anxiety symptoms from worsening. The current study uses a multiple baseline design, with follow-ups at 6, 12, and 24 months after the end of the training to examine long-term outcomes and evaluate the current program on satisfaction and attractiveness. In addition, this project aims to further develop children in both primary and secondary education could benefit from this anxiety prevention program.
For more information about 'Learn to dare' and to register: https://kasjeugd.nl/projects/leertedurven