Effects of Cognitive Reappraisal on Subjective and Neural Reactivity to Angry Faces in Children with Social Anxiety Disorder, Clinical Controls with Mixed Anxiety Disorders and Healthy Children

The study on cognitive reappraisals’ effects on children with social anxiety disorder shows it may reduce subjective reactivity. Additionally, it reveals that neural reactivity effects of reappraisal emerge at older ages.

Researchers study mental health through various approaches, each influencing how they tailor interventions for specific conditions. Depending on the chosen approach, the strategies and methods for intervention may differ significantly. It is important to recognize that what works well for one individual may not be effective for another.

Cognitive models suggest that social anxiety disorder (SAD) involves heightened emotional reactivity and deficits in emotion regulation. This perspective highlights the need for targeted interventions that address these specific issues within the context of SAD.

Understanding the underlying approach is crucial in designing and applying interventions. While some strategies may effectively manage emotional reactivity and regulation deficits for certain individuals, they may not be as effective for others. Tailoring interventions to individual needs ensures a more personalized and potentially successful treatment approach.

Neural Reactivity and Emotional Response: The Impact of Cognitive Reappraisal on Anxiety in Children

Psychologists at Leipzig University systematically measured emotional reactivity to threatening children’s faces and its modulation through reappraisal. Specifically, researchers used subjective ratings and electrocortical responses in children aged 10–13 years with SAD. A total of 28 children participated in the study. Additionally, the clinical controls included 29 children with mixed anxiety disorders, and the healthy controls comprised 29 children.

The study findings were interesting. The children with SAD came up to depict higher subjective reactivity to the images of angry children’s faces while all the other children reported reduced reactivity in their subjective ratings that was taken following reappraisal. Reduced electrocortical reactivity that occurred after reappraisal was only clearly present in the older children and boys and was not quite related to anxiety.

The study suggests cognitive reappraisal benefits subjective reactivity in anxious children, with neural effects emerging at older ages.