Summarize current findings of the child factors that contribute to the emergency of anxiety disorders. Give at least three examples. What are some of the protective child factors that may buffer the emergence of anxiety disorders?

What will be an ideal response?

• Child factors leading to anxiety disorders
Temperament – highly inhibited, highly reactive
Anxious emotions – "dysregulation of the normal anxiety response system"
Positive and negative affectivity – children who experience negative emotions or can't regulate those emotions or don't have the confidence to believe that their efforts will be effective are most vulnerable to anxiety disorders
Poor emotion regulation skills
Cognitive ability to identify problematic physical symptoms
Anxiety sensitivity
Early experiences with lack of control – learned helplessness
Learned behaviors through direct or indirect instruction (i.e. modeling)
Insecure attachments
Adverse life events
• Protective factors – effortful control; sense of perceived control and self-efficacy; friendships