title: Group climate as predictor of short- and long-term outcome in group therapy for social phobia.
abstract: A longitudinal study of 80 participants in cognitive and interpersonal group therapy for social phobia was conducted. The aim was to investigate the relationship between group climate and patients' short-term and long-term outcome. Group climate data was collected every other week during treatment, whereas social phobia symptoms were assessed at admission, discharge, and one year follow-up. Abbreviated symptom assessments were performed weekly. Regression analyses and mixed models were used in the analyses. Engagement predicted symptom reduction during treatment, from pretreatment to follow-up, and from posttreatment to follow-up. During treatment, avoidance predicted higher symptomatic distress. The results imply that group engagement should be emphasized for patients with social phobia. Avoidance, on the other hand, should be addressed as a process that interferes with treatment progress.
authors.affiliation: Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Prostheticsand Orthotics, Oslo, Norway. tore.bonsaksen@hioa.no
authors.forename: Tore
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bonsaksen
authors.forename: Finn-Magnus
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Borge
authors.forename: Asle
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hoffart
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome