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Does Cognitive Behavior Therapy Change Socially Anxious Adolescents' Behavior during a Public Speaking Task?
Sara L M Velthuizen1, Esther van den Bos2, Anne C Miers2
1Faculty of Social Sciences, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, South Holland, Leiden, 2333, The Netherlands. s.l.m.velthuizen@fsw.leidenuniv.nl.
Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
|January 25, 2026
Summary
Cognitive behavior therapy improved gaze behavior in adolescents with social anxiety disorder during public speaking. Speech disruptions did not significantly change after the intervention.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Public speaking is a common fear for adolescents with social anxiety disorder.
- Behavioral markers like gaze avoidance and speech disruptions can negatively impact social interactions.
- Research on how cognitive behavior therapy affects these markers is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in gaze behavior and speech disruptions in adolescents with social anxiety disorder after cognitive behavior therapy.
- To explore the effectiveness of the Skills for Academic and Social Success program.
Main Methods:
- A preliminary study involving 41 adolescents (aged 11-17) with social anxiety disorder.
- Participants underwent 12 weeks of group cognitive behavior therapy.
- Eye-tracking technology was used to record gaze behavior during a five-minute public speaking task before and after therapy.
Main Results:
- An increase in gaze frequency towards the audience's faces was observed post-therapy.
- Older adolescents showed greater improvements in gaze behavior.
- No significant changes in speech disruptions were found at the group level.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive behavior therapy may positively influence gaze behavior in socially anxious adolescents during public speaking.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications and potential of this therapeutic approach.
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