Effective behavior interventions for students with anxiety

Abstract

Schools effectively implement behavior plans for students with externalizing behaviors; however, recent years have prompted an increased need to develop and implement effective behavior interventions for students with internalizing behaviors. Anxiety can be difficult to identify in students, but those students are often the ones most in need of intervention. Research supports the use of cognitive behavioral therapy, including exposure therapy, to teach students strategies to effectively manage their anxiety. Instruction of specific skills and strategies has been found beneficial when employed with students. These targeted skills can be taught in both individual and small group sessions, but continued research needs to be done in the area of implementation within the school setting.