Trouble focusing when upset may signal anxiety and depression symptoms in youth

A new study from Florida International University (FIU) psychologists suggests that how children focus when upset could signal anxiety and depression symptoms. Psychologist Krystyna Keller found that a self-report survey, originally designed for adults, can assess two key areas in children: emotional focusing and emotional shifting.

Emotional focusing refers to a child's ability to stay on task despite distractions, while emotional shifting is the capacity to move past an emotional trigger. The research, published in the Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, involved 241 children aged 6 to 17.

Keller's study revealed that children who struggle with focusing during upsetting situations or become fixated on negative emotions are more likely to experience anxiety or depression. Surprisingly, older youth demonstrated more difficulty with emotional focus than younger children, which contradicts the usual expectation that older children have better self-regulation. This finding is particularly concerning, as teenage years are already marked by heightened emotional volatility.

Several factors contribute to adolescent stress, including the influence of social media and earlier onset of puberty. Many students excel academically but struggle internally, and their anxiety often goes unnoticed by teachers. Keller emphasizes the importance of not overlooking such children, as their anxiety may manifest in their attention habits during various tasks.

To address this issue, Keller recommends a collaborative approach to mental health in schools. This could involve teachers implementing a check-in system, such as a worry box where students can anonymously express their concerns, providing teachers with an opportunity to follow up. Additionally, teachers need more resources and direct access to psychologists or social workers. Integrating coping skills at home and within school curricula can also help buffer against the development of anxiety and depression.

Emotional stability is crucial for children's mental well-being. Parents can foster this by modeling healthy emotional regulation, discussing feelings in a calm manner, and encouraging help-seeking behavior when needed. As the first study to validate the Emotional Attentional Control Scale for younger demographics, the findings underscore the importance of evaluating attention within emotional contexts for clinicians.

Keller suggests that tracking emotional focus struggles over time will be vital in understanding their impact on the trajectory of youth anxiety and depression.