An open study of Internet-based bibliotherapy with minimal therapist contact via e-mail for social phobia

• This study evaluated a nine-week Internet-based self-help program for people suffering from social phobia. After confirming the diagnosis with a structured clinical interview for the DSM-IV (SCID) by telephone, 26 participants were treated with a multimodal treatment package based on cognitive behavioral therapy plus weekly therapist contact via e-mail. Results were analyzed on a basis of intention-to-treat. There were no differences between the two pre-treatment assessment points. However, from pre- to post-test, treated participants improved signi?cantly on all measured dimensions (social anxiety, general anxiety, depression levels, and quality of life). The overall within-group effect size measured with Cohen-s d was d=0.88. Treatment gains were maintained or improved at the 6-month follow-up (Cohen-s d=1.31). The results of this study support the continued use and development of Internet-distributed self-help programs for people diagnosed with social phobia. 

Nyckelord

Internet; Social-Phobia; Self-Help; Bibliotherapy

SOCIAL SCIENCES

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)