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.  

Child anxiety, parent–child communication, family systems

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