Articles | Open Access | https://doi.org/10.37547/ajsshr/Volume05Issue06-04

The Role of Mutual Communication in Reducing Anxiety Levels in Children Within the Family

Sarvinoz Zulfiyeva , Intern teacher at the Department of Youth Psychology at Jizzakh Branch of Mirzo Ulugbek National University of Uzbekistan
Zulfiyeva Sarvinoz , 3rd-year student majoring in Family Psychology, Uzbekistan
Dostonova Sevinch , 3rd-year student majoring in Family Psychology, Uzbekistan

Abstract

Effective intrafamilial communication has long been recognised as a cornerstone of children’s socio-emotional development, yet its specific influence on childhood anxiety remains under-explored. This study investigates how reciprocal, emotionally attuned dialogue between parents and children moderates state–trait anxiety in middle-childhood (8-12 years). Drawing on attachment theory and family systems theory, we conducted a mixed-methods investigation combining a quasi-experimental communication-skills intervention with quantitative psychometric assessment and qualitative thematic analysis. One hundred and sixty four parent–child dyads across two urban public-school districts were randomly assigned to an eight-week dialogic coaching programme or to a wait-list control. Anxiety was measured with the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAI-C) at baseline, post-intervention and three-month follow-up, while semi-structured interviews explored subjective changes in family climate. Results showed a significant reduction in both state and trait anxiety for children in the intervention group, with large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 0.83 and 0.71 respectively) sustained at follow-up. Qualitative findings revealed enhanced emotional literacy, greater coherence in parent–child narratives and improved conflict-resolution strategies. These outcomes highlight the protective function of reciprocal communication against anxiety and endorse family-focused preventive strategies.  

Keywords

Child anxiety, parent–child communication, family systems

References

Bowlby J. Attachment and Loss. Vol. 1: Attachment. — New York: Basic Books, 1982. — 450 p.

Ainsworth M. D. S., Blehar M. C., Waters E., Wall S. Patterns of Attachment: A Psychological Study of the Strange Situation. — Hillsdale: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1978. — 392 p.

Minuchin S. Families and Family Therapy. — Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1974. — 326 p.

Hargie O. Skilled Interpersonal Communication: Research, Theory and Practice. 7th ed. — London: Routledge, 2021. — 576 p.

Familonov A., Petrova N. Family communication and child anxiety: a longitudinal study // Journal of Family Psychology. — 2024. — Vol. 38, № 4. — P. 512–527.

Wang X., Liu Y., Zhang P. Family communication, family violence, problematic Internet use and adolescent anxiety and depression: a cross-sectional study // BMC Public Health. — 2023. — Vol. 23, Art. 1627. — P. 1–13.

Stewart S. L., Kiyak T., Marten V. Parent–child communication quality and adolescent mental health: a systematic review // Journal of Adolescent Health. — 2023. — Vol. 72, № 2. — P. 220–234.

Brown H., Chen L., Gupta R. Supporting parents to reduce children’s anxiety: a meta-analysis of parent-focused interventions // Behaviour Research and Therapy. — 2025. — Vol. 170, Art. 104178. — P. 1–14.

Pratama N., Rudiana S. Impact of parent communication on adolescent social anxiety // International Journal of Research on Education. — 2025. — Vol. 8, № 2. — P. 45–56.

Li J., Sun H., Zhao X. Family function and anxiety among junior school students during the COVID-19 pandemic // Frontiers in Psychiatry. — 2023. — Vol. 14, Art. 1217709. — P. 1–11.

American Psychological Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5-TR. 5th ed. — Washington, DC: APA, 2022. — 1050 p.

Spielberger C. D. State–Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children: Manual, Instrument and Scoring Guide. — Palo Alto: Consulting Psychologists Press, 2019. — 64 p.

Article Statistics

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Copyright License

Download Citations

How to Cite

Sarvinoz Zulfiyeva, Zulfiyeva Sarvinoz, & Dostonova Sevinch. (2025). The Role of Mutual Communication in Reducing Anxiety Levels in Children Within the Family. American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research, 5(06), 17–19. https://doi.org/10.37547/ajsshr/Volume05Issue06-04