Parents’ Decision Making and Their Information Needs Concerning Treatments for Child Anxiety: Implications for Family-Centered Practice

Abstract

Collaborative decision making is a central feature of family-centered practice and is important to families in treatment planning. This study explored parents’ preferences for decision making involvement and their information needs regarding treatment for child anxiety. Qualitative interviews conducted with 19 parents revealed four main themes: (1) parents regard themselves as protectors, (2) parents desire involvement in decision making, (3) information is key in decision making, and (4) not all treatments are perceived as equal. Parents reported a strong desire to maintain control over the final treatment decision. They preferred a wide range of information about treatment and the health-care provider. Implications for implementing family-centered practice are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• child anxiety
• family-centered practice
• parental decision making