Title

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

Authors

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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