Changes in intolerance of uncertainty during cognitive behavior group therapy for social phobia.
OBJECTIVE
Recent research suggests that intolerance of uncertainty (IU), most commonly associated with generalized anxiety disorder, also contributes to symptoms of social phobia. This study examines the relationship between IU and social anxiety symptoms across treatment.


METHODS
Changes in IU, social anxiety symptoms, and depression symptoms were examined following cognitive behavior group therapy (CBGT) for social phobia (N=32).


RESULTS
CBGT led to significant improvements in symptoms of social anxiety and depression, as well as reductions in IU. Reductions in IU were associated with reductions in social anxiety but were unrelated to improvements in depression symptoms. Reductions in IU were predictive of post-treatment social phobia symptoms after controlling for pre-treatment social phobia symptoms and changes in depression symptoms following treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The relationship between IU and social anxiety requires further examination within experimental and longitudinal designs, and needs to take into account additional constructs that are thought to maintain social phobia.


CONCLUSIONS
Current findings suggest that the enhancing tolerance of uncertainty may play a role in the optimal management of social phobia. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, University of New South Wales at St Vincent's Hospital, Level 4 O'Brien Centre, 394-404 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia. amahoney@stvincents.com.au
Alison E J
AE
Mahoney
Peter M
PM
McEvoy
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012044:Regression Analysis; D035501:Uncertainty; D055815:Young Adult