Member Area

Don't have an account yet? Sign up now!

Forgot your Password?

Print this page
Send this page
Increase font size
Decrease font size

26/08/2009

Tool Information

Settings: Education
MHP Steps: Implementation
Country of Origin: Australia
Languages: Dutch | English | German
URL: Click here for Tool Website
Publication Information: FRIENDS is the only childhood anxiety prevention program acknowledged by the WHO for its 12 years of comprehensive evaluation and practice. It has proved effective for up to 6 years after initial exposure. FRIENDS started in mid-1980s and it is now in commitment to evidence-based research suppot for all aspects of the program (a booklet of research abstracts can be found attached).

Evaluation: Yes
Available Formats: Paper Based | Soft Copy | Online
Free: No
Restrictions on Use: No
Tool Focus: Individual
Tool Type: Educational/Training
Download(s): Abstracts of studies - 196 KBIntroduction to FRIENDS - 296 KB

Tool Description

The Friends Programme is a leading school-based anxiety prevention program that helps children aged 7-11 and teenagers aged 12-16 cope with feelings of fear, worry, and depression by building resilience and self-esteem and teaching cognitive and emotional skills in a simple, well-structured format. Cognititive-behavioural intervention includes ten child sessions and three parent sessions.

Tool Characteristics

Application in the Field: Applied internationally
Tool mainly used in: Australia
Stage of Development: Well established
Evaluation and Research: Studies/Technical Data available
Beneficiary Involvement in Design: No information found

Evaluation Description

Rigorous randomised control studies say that up to 80% of children showing signs of an anxiety disorder no longer display that disorder after completing the program (effect has been confirmed at up to 6 years posttreatment). FRIENDS programme appears to be an efficacious and acceptable way to promote emotional resilience (reduced anxiety and increased self-esteem) in primary school aged children.

Contact Details

Contact Name: Professor Paula Barrett
Organisation Name: School of Education,The University of Queensland
Address: Brisbane QLD
Postal Code: 4072
Country: Australia
Email: info@australianacademicpress.com.au
Telephone: +61 7 3365 1111

Bookmark with: