A Randomized Trial of Attention Training for Generalized Social Phobia: Does Attention Training Change Social Behavior?

    Authors

    B. E. Bunnell; D. C. Beidel;F. Mesa

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Behav. Therapy

    Keywords

    attention training; social anxiety; bias; ANXIETY DISORDER; SELF-REPORT; EMOTIONAL FACES; BIAS; THREAT; SCALE; THERAPY; EPIDEMIOLOGY; INDIVIDUALS; SPECIFICITY; Psychology, Clinical

    Abstract

    The use of attention training protocols for the treatment of generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD) is undergoing increased examination. Initial investigations were positive but more recent investigations have been less supportive of the treatment paradigm. One significant limitation of current investigations is overreliance on self-report. In this investigation, we expanded on initial investigations by using a muhimodal assessment of patient functioning (i.e., including behavioral assessment). Patients with a primary diagnosis of SAD (n = 31) were randomly assigned to eight sessions of attention training (n = 15) or placebo/control (n = 16). Participants were assessed at pre- and posttreatment via self- and clinician-report of social anxiety as well as anxious and behavioral response to two in vivo social interactions. Results revealed no differences between groups at posttreatment for all study outcome variables, suggesting a lack of effect for the attention training condition. The results are concordant with recent investigations finding a lack of support for the use of attention training as an efficacious treatment for patients with SAD.

    Journal Title

    Behavior Therapy

    Volume

    44

    Issue/Number

    4

    Publication Date

    1-1-2013

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    662

    Last Page

    673

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000325783100013

    ISSN

    0005-7894

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