A Meta Analysis on the Efficacy of Technology Mediated CBT for Anxious Children and Adolescents
Several meta analyses indicate that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) via electronic/technological devices or applications (i.e. eCBT) is an effective alternative to standard therapist delivered CBT for anxious adults. However, we know little about the efficacy of eCBT interventions for anxious children and adolescents. The present meta analysis set out to investigate the efficacy of eCBT in comparison to standard CBT or waitlist control for anxious children and adolescents. Eight randomized controlled studies (N 404 participants) that targeted anxiety at post intervention and follow up were included in the analysis. The results indicated that eCBT was as effective as standard CBT (g .295) and more effective than waitlist (g 1.410) in reducing anxiety symptoms. Moderation analyses revealed that anxious children and adolescents benefited the most from eCBT in the minimal therapist involvement condition (g 2.682) in contrast to the significant therapist involvement group (g .326) Furthermore, older participants seemed to extract greater clinical benefits from eCBT in contrast to younger participants (slope .514) Current eCBT interventions for anxious children and adolescents appear to be promising, but require further investigation.