Behavioral treatment of childhood social phobia.
Sixty-seven children (ages 8 and 12) with social phobia were randomized to either a behavioral treatment program designed to enhance social skills and decrease social anxiety (Social Effectiveness Therapy for Children, SET-C) or an active, but nonspecific intervention (Testbusters). Children treated with SET-C were significantly more improved across multiple dimensions, including enhanced social skill, reduced social fear and anxiety, decreased associated psychopathology, and increased social interaction. Furthermore, 67% of the SET-C group participants did not meet diagnostic criteria for social phobia at posttreatment compared with 5% of those in the Testbusters group. Treatment gains were maintained at 6-month follow-up. The results are discussed in terms of treatment of preadolescent children with social phobia and the durability of treatment effects.
Beidel
D C
DC
Maryland Center for Anxiety Disorders, Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA.
Turner
S M
SM
Morris
T L
TL
D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D012919:Social Behavior; D016896:Treatment Outcome