More broadly, this research also addresses a call in recent years for greater attention to the role of the father in the aetiology, maintenance, and prevention of child anxiety disorders (Bögels and Phares, 2008).
The findings of the current study have implications not only for research but also for the development of interventions for anxious children and their parents.
In a recent study, parents of anxious children identified concerns regarding whether they should challenge their children's behaviour and to what extent (Hiebert-Murphy et al., 2012).
Continuing research in this area may provide valuable feedback for parents about optimal parenting strategies in the face of child anxiety.
Additionally, these findings may have implications for cognitive behavioural treatments with anxious children. For example, a parent may be more willing to encourage and model brave behaviour to their child, especially during exposure sessions, if there is sound empirical rationale for this behaviour.