NCJ Number
117289
Journal
Current Psychology Research and Reviews Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1988) Pages: 58-75
Date Published
1988
Length
147 pages
Annotation
This article summarizes recent research evaluating cognitive and noncognitive strategies for helping children deal with their fright reactions to mass media presentations.
Abstract
An explanation of experimental methods used in three studies focuses on four key measures: self-report, facial expressions, heart rate and skin temperature, and approach-avoidance behaviors. Effectiveness of strategies for children ages 3-7 and ages 8-11 were compared. Gradual exposure to the threatening stimulus, or desensitization, was the only one cognitive strategy effective for both young and older children. Eating or drinking and holding a toy seemed to operate by providing physical stimulation and distraction. Seeking out the presence of others was popular with all age groups. In the cognitive area, explanations stressing the unreality of the stimulus or minimizing its threatening nature were effective for older but not younger children. Simplifying or illustrating the explanation, or encouraging rehearsal, improved effectiveness of the cognitive approach with younger as well as older children. Over 75 references.