Cognitive Behavioral Group Treatment for Social Phobia: Comparison with a Credible Placebo Control

Authors

• Richard G. Heimberg, State University of New York at AlbanyFollow
• Cynthia S. Dodge, State University of New York at Albany
• Debra A. Hope, State University of New York at AlbanyFollow
• Charles R. Kennedy, State University of New York at Albany
• Linda J. Zollo, State University of New York at Albany
• Robert E. Becker, Medical College of Pennsylvania at Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute

ORCID IDs

Debra A. Hope

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2-1990

Citation

Cognitive Therapy and Research 14:1 (February 1990), pp. 1–23.

doi: 10.1007/BF01173521

Comments

Copyright © 1990 Plenum Publishing Corporation/Kluwer/Springer. Used by permission.

Abstract

Forty-nine patients participated in a study comparing cognitive-behavioral group treatment (CBGT) for social phobia with a credible placebo control. CBGT consisted of exposure to simulated phobic events, cognitive restructuring of maladaptive thoughts, and homework for self-directed exposure and cognitive restructuring between sessions. Control patients received a treatment package consisting of lecture-discussion and group support that was comparable to CBGT on measures of treatment credibility and outcome expectations. At pretest, posttest, and 3- and 6-month follow-ups, patients completed assessments that included clinician ratings, self-report measures, and behavioral physiological and cognitive-subjective measures derived from a behavioral simulation of a personally relevant phobic event. Both groups improved on most measures, but, at both posttest and follow-up, CBGT patients were rated as more improved than controls and reported less anxiety before and during the behavioral test. At follow-up, CBGT patients also reported significantly fewer negative and more positive self-statements than controls on a thought-listing task following the behavioral test. Regardless of treatment condition, follow-up changes in clinician-rated phobic severity were significantly related to changes on the thought-listing measure.