Qualitative analysis of school children's experience of receiving “Coping Cat program”: A cognitive behavioral therapy program for high anxiety

Coping Cat‐cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a 16‐week program, which has been used widely and has proven its efficacy in helping children in overcoming anxiety disorders. This research study intends to explore its efficacy on Indian school children with high anxiety in Delhi. The study aims at qualitative assessment of the experience of children with anxiety after intervention with Coping Cat‐CBT. After the Coping Cat‐CBT intervention, semistructured interviews were conducted with the children. Participants: Children aged 11–13 years exhibiting the symptoms of high anxiety were enrolled in the study. They were asked to write down their experience after the Coping Cat‐CBT intervention. Data were analyzed using the inductive approach of qualitative content analysis. Participants expressed that the intervention was beneficial in terms of their ability to combat anxiety experienced in day‐to‐day life, and reported improvements in various domains of life such as scholastic performance, interpersonal relationships, and successful use of coping skills in handling fearful situations and relaxation techniques in overcoming anxiety. The data provided empirical evidence that Indian children with anxiety‐related problems could benefit from the therapy. Coping Cat‐CBT was efficacious in reducing their symptoms of anxiety. Practitioner points “Coping Cat”‐cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) proved to be an effective treatment for high anxiety in Indian school children (11–13 years age group). Post “Coping Cat”‐CBT, qualitative content analysis of children's experiences proved that the program besides helping them to cope with anxiety had a positive impact on their academics, social, personal, school, and family lives. “Coping Cat”‐CBT has been found to be applicable with ease in Indian schools for children with anxiety‐related problems.