Targeting cognitive control to reduce anxiety in very young children: A proof of concept study

Objective: Underdeveloped cognitive control (CC)—the capacity to flexibly adjust to changing environments—may predispose some children to early onset anxiety disorders and represents a promising intervention target. The current study established and pilot-tested “Camp Kidpower”—a novel group-based, interactive CC training intervention—and assessed its impacts on behavioral and neurophysiological indices of CC among preschool children with elevated anxiety symptoms. Methods: Forty-four anxious children (4–6 years) were enrolled in Camp Kidpower, delivered in four sessions over 10 days. Before and after camp, children's capacity for CC was measured using well-validated, non-trained behavioral tasks and error-related negativity (ERN). Child anxiety symptoms were measured by parent report on the Spence Preschool Anxiety Scale. Results: Thirty-two children completed the study, as defined by completion of pre- and follow-up assessments and at least three camp sessions. From baseline to after camp, performance on behavioral tests of CC improved, ERN amplitude increased, and anxiety symptoms decreased. Conclusion: Results provide initial evidence that play-based cognitive training targeted to behavioral and brain markers of CC reduces anxiety in preschoolers.