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A meta-analytic study of self-help interventions for anxiety problems.
1Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA. hiraim@wsu.edu
Behavior Therapy
|September 1, 2006
Summary
Self-help interventions are effective for anxiety problems, showing significant results compared to no treatment. While less effective than therapist-directed interventions, they offer a viable option within a stepped-care model.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Mental Health Interventions
Background:
- Anxiety disorders represent a significant public health concern.
- Effective and accessible treatment options are crucial for managing anxiety.
- Self-help interventions offer a potentially scalable approach to anxiety treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of self-help (SH) interventions for anxiety problems.
- To compare the efficacy of SH interventions against control groups and therapist-directed interventions (TDIs).
- To explore factors influencing SH intervention outcomes, including format and therapist contact.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 33 studies involving 1,582 participants with clinical and subclinical anxiety.
- Inclusion of studies utilizing various SH formats: books, audio/videotapes, and digital programs.
- Calculation of average effect sizes (Cohen's ds) at posttreatment and follow-up.
Main Results:
- SH interventions demonstrated moderate effectiveness compared to control groups (d = .62 posttreatment, d = .51 follow-up).
- SH interventions showed smaller effect sizes when compared to TDIs (d = -.42 posttreatment, d = -.36 follow-up).
- Analysis explored the impact of SH format, disorder type, and therapist contact on outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Self-help interventions are a valuable component in the stepped-care management of anxiety disorders.
- The findings support the integration of SH interventions as an accessible first-line or adjunctive treatment.
- Further research can refine SH interventions based on specific anxiety types and delivery formats.
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