Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy-Based Massed Brief Psychoeducational Group via Videoconference for Social Anxiety:...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health Interventions

Background:

• Group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) via videoconference effectively reduces social anxiety.
• No prior studies have assessed CBT via videoconference in a massed, brief, psychoeducational group format.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a videoconferencing CBT-based massed brief psychoeducational group for Chinese university students with social anxiety.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with Chinese university students experiencing social anxiety.
• Participants were assigned to either a videoconferencing CBT intervention group or a waitlist control group.
• Assessments included the Social Phobia Inventory, Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale, and others, at baseline, posttest, and 1- and 3-month follow-ups.

Main Results:

• The intervention group demonstrated significant reductions in social anxiety and fear of negative evaluation.
• Participants showed significant increases in social anxiety knowledge.
• No significant changes were found in depression, anxiety, stress, social anxiety stigma, or attitudes toward seeking professional help.

Conclusions:

• Videoconferencing CBT in a massed brief psychoeducational format is effective for reducing social anxiety in university students.
• Further research with larger, diverse samples is recommended to confirm efficacy and scalability.