The effect of the “K” technique on levels of anxiety and salivar cortisol in adolescents

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-8623.2023.2.42920

Keywords:

Anxiety, Learning, Cognition

Abstract

This research presents theoretical arguments of a new approach called Technique “K,” which aims to reduce student’s anxiety before a cognitive challenge. Through a randomized, controlled clinical trial, we evaluate the Beck Anxiety Inventory and salivary cortisol. We compared the results in the last year of high school, who were facing school tests, before and after the application of the “K” technique (intervention group) and placebo (control group). Statistical analyses consisted of using the Chi-square, Spearman and the Wilcoxon test. The principal component analysis observed in the case group, - 10.50 (-18.25; -4.75), was statistically higher than the control group, -6.00 (-8.75; -1.25). It is not possible to identify statistical significance (p = 0.462) in the variation of salivary cortisol concentration. The results suggest the effectiveness of the “K” technique in managing anxiety in high school students. Although, future research is needed to extend the preliminary data obtained in this study.

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Author Biographies

André Michael Kolb, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

Degree in Psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (2015), exchange in Psychology - Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg (2013) and master's degree in Child and Adolescent Health from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (2018). Specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from Wainer (2019). Schema Therapist from ISST/ NY (2021) with advanced certification (2022). Supervisor by ISST/NY (2023). Currently, he works as a clinical psychologist, supervisor, guest researcher and professor specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Schema Therapy.

André Luiz Moreno, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

Psychologist (USP), master in Psychology (UFRGS), doctor in Mental Health (USP). Specialist in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (IWP), with additional training in Schema Therapy (Wainer – ISST). Professor and supervisor of Specialization courses in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Schema Therapy. Mental Health Consultant.

Alberto Scofano Mainieri, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

Graduated in Medicine (1984); specializations in Pediatrics (1987), Adolescent Medicine (1988) and Psychological Clinical Care with an emphasis on couple and family therapy (2010); master's degree in Medicine: Medical Sciences (1996); PhD in Medical Sciences: Endocrinology (2000). He is currently Associate Professor II at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. He has greater experience in the area of adolescent medicine, with an emphasis on pubertal growth and development and the emotional and sexual issues of this phase.

Rudimar dos Santos Riesgo, Moreno Psicologia, Uberaba, MG, Brazil.

Neuropediatrician and specialist in Epilepsy and pediatric EEG. He has a master's and doctorate in Pediatrics (UFRGS). She did a fellowship training in EEG and epilepsy at Miami Childrens Hospital (FL / USA). Member of the International Child Neurology Association, the International Society for Autism Research and the Iberoamerican Academy of Neuropediatrics. Full Professor of Medicine at the Department of Pediatrics at UFRGS. Professor of the Postgraduate Program in Child and Adolescent Health (UFRGS). Leader of the Neuropediatrics Research Group (HCPA-UFRGS-CNPq). He is head of the Neuropediatrics Unit at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre.

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2023-12-22

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Kolb, A. M., Moreno, A. L., Scofano Mainieri, A., & dos Santos Riesgo, R. (2023). The effect of the “K” technique on levels of anxiety and salivar cortisol in adolescents. Psico, 54(2), e42920. https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-8623.2023.2.42920

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v. 54 n.2 (2023): Special Issue - Developmental and Educational Psychology

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