Fathersʹ role in the etiology, prevention and treatment of child anxiety: A review and new model

Fathers have been neglected in investigations of the development, prevention, and treatment of anxiety and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. This review provides a historical background of what is known about fathersʹ roles in the etiology of anxiety problems and provides evidence from bottom-up, top-down, and cross-sectional correlation studies of the connections between fathersʹ and their childrenʹs anxiety. Treatment and prevention programs are discussed in terms of the limited findings regarding fathersʹ involvement in treatment for childrenʹs and adolescentsʹ anxiety problems. Finally, a model is presented to show the unique ways in which mothers and fathers are involved in the development of anxiety disorders in their children. Future directions for research in this area are highlighted.