Usefulness of emotive imagery in the treatment of childhood phobias: Clinical guidelines, case examples and issues

The “Anti-monster Letter” as a Simple Therapeutic Tool for Reducing Night-time Fears in Young Children

The current study examined the effects of the “anti-monster letter” as a simple tool for reducing night-time fears in young children. One hundred and forty-two children aged 4 to 6 years were randomly assigned to either an experimental condition in which children and parents were provided with an “anti-monster letter” or a control condition in which no intervention was carried out. Results indicated that the “anti-monster letter” yielded positive effects. That is, child report data showed that night-time fears substantially decreased in the intervention condition as compared with the control condition. In parents, such positive effects could not be substantiated by standardised assessments, although some parents indicated that they considered the intervention as helpful.

The Use of Emotive Imagery and Behavioral Techniques for a 10-Year-Old Boy's Nocturnal Fear of Ghosts and Zombies

This case describes the use of emotive imagery and behavioral techniques in treating a 10-year-old boy's nocturnal fear of ghosts and zombies. His anxiety had led to nightmares and avoidance of sleeping in his bedroom. To a significant degree, the intervention was led by the child. With the therapist's support, the child developed and deployed a number of imaginary characters during and between sessions to reduce his sense of threat about ghosts and zombies. Relaxation, boundary setting, and an incentive program were also implemented to target residual avoidant behavior. Self-reported anxiety measured by a diary and on the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale reduced during the course of treatment. Furthermore, the frequency of his nightmares decreased and the number of nights that he spent in his bedroom increased. The case highlights the effectiveness of emotive imagery in treating anxiety surrounding imaginary creatures in children. It also suggests that behavioral techniques may also be required to effectively promote behavior change.