The effect FRIENDS programon the anxiety of adolescent girls

Anxiety is one of the most common psychological problems among adolescents which have been almost considered by researchers. In this regard, the present study was conducted to examine the effect of the FRIENDS training program on the anxiety of female adolescent clients referred to Tolou-e-Now Health Counseling Center of Bam.

This studywas a randomized controlled trial. The statistical population included 65 people of female adolescents with anxiety disorder referred to Tolou-e-Now Health Counseling Center of Bam, who were studying in academic year 2018-2019. Among them 30 people whose total anxiety level were higher than intermediate, were selected through convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to control (n=15) and experimental (n=15)groups. The experimental group received the FRIENDS training program for 10 sessions during 2 months and the control group did not receive any intervention. Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to collect data. The data were analyzed using analysis of covariance and SPSS software version 22.

the results of analyzing the data showed that FRIENDS program training had a statistically significant effect on reducing both obvious and hidden anxiety in female adolescents in experimental compare to control group. The rate of the effect of this training program was estimated 33.4% with statistic potent 92.4.

FRIENDS training program couldbe considered as a protective intervention on reducing anxiety of adolescents.