Exploring the differences in anxiety among children from The Netherlands and India

Anxiety and worry can cause great suffering and significantly impact one’s quality of life, especially for pre-adolescent children. Therefore, adequate treatment is necessary to minimize suffering and adverse outcomes. However, in order to adequately treat anxiety, the cultural background needs to be taken into consideration. Many differences concerning anxiety have been found among Western and non-Western cultures. However, previous research has primarily focused on children and/or adolescents in general, causing research about pre- adolescent children to be sparse. Since this particular period is signified by significant social and emotional growth, it has a great impact on the rest of the children’s lives. Therefore, receiving adequate treatment during this time can be incredibly beneficial. The present study explored the differences among Dutch and Indian children concerning the prevalence, manifestation and perceived causes of anxiety. In total, 140 pre-adolescent children...Show moreAnxiety and worry can cause great suffering and significantly impact one’s quality of life, especially for pre-adolescent children. Therefore, adequate treatment is necessary to minimize suffering and adverse outcomes. However, in order to adequately treat anxiety, the cultural background needs to be taken into consideration. Many differences concerning anxiety have been found among Western and non-Western cultures. However, previous research has primarily focused on children and/or adolescents in general, causing research about pre- adolescent children to be sparse. Since this particular period is signified by significant social and emotional growth, it has a great impact on the rest of the children’s lives. Therefore, receiving adequate treatment during this time can be incredibly beneficial. The present study explored the differences among Dutch and Indian children concerning the prevalence, manifestation and perceived causes of anxiety. In total, 140 pre-adolescent children between the ages of 10 to 12 years old were recruited by our researchers. Consequently, the participants were asked to complete a demographic questionnaire, the RCADS and the CFI. Contrary to our hypothesis, no significant differences were found regarding the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder among Dutch and Indian children. We did find that Dutch children were more likely than Indian children to mention psychological and somatic symptoms as a result of anxiety. Additionally, the perceived causes of anxiety were found to be different between Dutch and Indian children. Dutch children were more likely to attribute their anxiety to high personal achievement independent from interpersonal situations and moral values in line with individualism such as desiring uniqueness and sticking up for themselves. Whereas Indian children were more likely to attribute social factors such as disappointing others or bringing shame to their family, which are in line with collectivism, as causes of their anxiety. In conclusion, culture can significantly impact anxiety, particularly its perceived causes.Show less

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Exploring the differences in anxiety among children from The Netherlands and India