Agoraphobics' interpersonal problems. Their role in the effects of exposure in vivo therapy

The effects of self-controlled exposure in vivo therapy were compared between assertive and unassertive agoraphobics and between agoraphobics with high and low marital satisfaction. Assessments were made at the pretest, at the posttest after four therapy sessions, and at the follow-up one month later. Assessments were carried out by the therapist, by an independent observer, and by the patient. No significant differences were found between the groups with high and low marital satisfaction. The only significant difference between the groups with high and low assertiveness was shown at the posstest by the phobic anxiety scale; compared with high assertive patients, low assertive patients improved more.