A Pilot Study of a Brief Parent-Implemented Exposure-Based Intervention for Nighttime Fears in 4–8-Year-Old Children

Abstract

This study evaluated a brief, parent-implemented exposure intervention for 4–8-year-old children with nighttime fears. Utilizing a single-case experimental design with asynchronous baselines, six participants completed an 8-week home-based protocol. Results indicated significant reductions in fear frequency and increased coping self-efficacy at one-month follow-up, with five of six participants demonstrating clinical improvement. These findings provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of brief, parent-led exposure as a low-intensity and potentially scalable intervention for children with nighttime fears. This study offers preliminary evidence for a practical family-based intervention that may help bridge the gap between specialized behavioral therapy and accessible home-based care.