The anxiety thermometer is a visual aid that helps kids and teens express their feelings by using a scale similar to a temperature gauge. It allows them to pinpoint their specific emotions, ranging from relaxed and peaceful to out-of-control and frantic.
The Anxiety Thermometer helps kids and teens identify how they're feeling when anxiety kicks in. It features a thermometer illustrating different emojis with their corresponding emotions and behaviors. Moreover, it suggests things they can do to feel better during difficult moments.
This therapeutic tool allows kids and teens who feel anxious to better understand and express their emotions. Anytime they feel anxious, they can look at the thermometer and pick the word that matches their feelings, making it easier to talk about what's going on with a trusted friend or adult.
After using the thermometer, they can create a handy flashcard summarizing the coping behaviors that work for them. They can carry it in their backpacks or keep it in a safe spot, so whenever they feel anxious, they are reminded to manage their feelings healthily.
*This item is an instant digital download. A link to download your files will be emailed to you once payment is confirmed.
Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of anxiety worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Etkin, R. G., Shimshoni, Y., Lebowitz, E. R., & Silverman, W. K. (2020). Using evaluative criteria to review youth anxiety measures, part I: Self-report. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 50(1), 58-76. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2020.1802736
- Muris, P., Simon, E., Lijphart, H., Bos, A., Hale, W., & Schmeitz, K. (2016). The youth anxiety measure for DSM-5 (YAM-5): Development and first psychometric evidence of a new scale for assessing anxiety disorders symptoms of children and adolescents. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 48(1), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-016-0648-1
- Wei, C., Hoff, A., Villabø, M. A., Peterman, J., Kendall, P. C., Piacentini, J., McCracken, J., Walkup, J. T., Albano, A. M., Rynn, M., Sherrill, J., Sakolsky, D., Birmaher, B., Ginsburg, G., Keeton, C., Gosch, E., Compton, S. N., & March, J. (2014). Assessing Anxiety in Youth with the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 43(4), 566–578. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2013.814541
