Self-help cognitive-behavioral therapy with minimal therapist contact for social phobia: a controlled trial.
Due to treatment accessibility and cost issues, interest in self-help programs (e.g., bibliotherapy, telehealth) for common psychological disorders is growing. Research supporting the efficacy of such a program for social anxiety, however, is limited. The present study examined the efficacy of an 8-week self-directed cognitive behavioral treatment with minimal therapist involvement for social phobia based on a widely available self-help book. Twenty-one adults with social phobia initially received either treatment (i.e. assigned readings in the workbook with limited therapist contact) or were wait-listed. Wait-listed patients eventually received the same self-directed treatment. Results revealed that the self-help/minimal therapist contact treatment was superior to wait-list on most outcome measures. Across the entire sample, reductions in social anxiety, global severity, general anxiety, and depression were observed at posttest and 3-month follow-up. These findings provide preliminary support for using this self-help workbook for individuals with mild to moderate social anxiety in conjunction with infrequent therapist visits to reinforce the treatment principles. Study limitations and future directions are discussed.
Abramowitz
Jonathan S
JS
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. jabramowitz@unc.edu
Moore
Elizabeth L
EL
Braddock
Autumn E
AE
Harrington
Diana L
DL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001877:Books; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D055815:Young Adult