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Changes in post-event processing and metacognitions during cognitive behavioral group therapy for social phobia
Peter M McEvoy1, Alison Mahoney, Sarah J Perini
1Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, 299 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, 2010, Australia. peter.mcevoy@health.wa.gov.au
Journal of Anxiety Disorders
|March 3, 2009
Summary
Cognitive behavioral group therapy effectively reduced social anxiety, depression, and post-event processing in social phobia patients. Treatment gains in post-event processing correlated with reduced social anxiety symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychotherapy
Background:
- Social phobia is a prevalent anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear of social situations.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a leading treatment for social anxiety disorder.
- Post-event processing (PEP) and metacognitions are implicated in the maintenance of social anxiety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBGT) on post-event processing (PEP), metacognitions, and symptoms of social anxiety and depression.
- To explore the relationships between changes in PEP, metacognitions, and symptom reduction.
Main Methods:
- A group of 61 participants with social phobia received CBGT.
- Pre- and post-treatment assessments measured social anxiety, depression, PEP, and metacognitions.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in social anxiety, depression symptoms, and PEP were observed post-treatment.
- Reductions in PEP were linked to decreased social anxiety, but not depression.
- Metacognitions, except for positive ones, were less endorsed after treatment, with changes correlating with depression reduction.
Conclusions:
- CBGT is effective in alleviating social anxiety, depression, and problematic post-event processing.
- The findings suggest distinct pathways linking PEP and metacognitions to social anxiety and depression outcomes.
- Further research should explore the specific roles of metacognitions in treatment response.
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