Prevention of Child Anxiety based on the Friends Method

Abstract Anxiety disorders have developed more frequently in school-age children, harming their health, social relationships, and overall development. Currently, the prevention of these disorders has been sought. Thus, the FRIENDS Method, a program aimed at preventing anxiety and depression through the development of social-emotional skills, resilience, and behaviors for a healthy life, is a possibility of intervention. In this context, this research aimed to verify whether children’s symptoms of anxiety diminish after participation in the FRIENDS Method intervention. A total of 19 children, aged from 5 to 7 years, of both sexes, participated in the study. The Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale was used as an assessment tool, answered by the children’s parents in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. Data were compared using descriptive and inferential statistics. Research findings showed better management of anxiety symptoms by children after participating in the group.