Running head: TREATING ANXIETY 1 The Impact of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Therapy for Treating Anxiety

Anxiety is a common emotion that can be experienced at various developmental milestones throughout childhood. Both healthy and unhealthy forms of anxiety exist and although the majority of youth move through anxious episodes with little to no disruption in their lives, 1020% of youth experience anxiety-related symptoms that significantly affect their emotional, social, and academic development. When anxiety turns into excessive worries, it can prevent individuals from enjoying normal life experiences, and from adapting to the changing demands of life. Early intervention is a necessary step towards preventing the development of an anxietyrelated disorder, as children who suffer from high anxiety are more likely to become anxious adults. This paper will explore the research findings on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) therapy and the positive impact it has on treating anxiety. The research supports MBSR as an effective method for symptom management in anxiety-related disorders.