Efficacy of group behavioral activation on social anxiety, avoidance and negative evaluations among individuals whit social anxiety

Abstract

Introduction:Â Regarding to the importance of appropriate treatment for social anxiety, the present study aimed to assess the efficacy of group behavioral activation on social anxiety, avoidance and negative evaluations among individuals whit social anxiety. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial in 2016, 30 cases with symptoms of social anxiety and other inclusion criteria entered to the research through convenient method of sampling and divided into two groups randomly. The experimental group received 8 weekly (ninety minutes) sessions of behavioral activation while control group received no treatment. The research instrument concluded social anxiety scale, cognitive-behavioral avoidance scale and questionnaire of negative social events fulfilled before and after intervention. Data analyzed through descriptive and explanatory statistics. Results: Behavioral activation can impact significantly on symptoms of social anxiety, cognitive-behavioral avoidance and negative evaluations (P<0.05). Conclusion: It seems that group behavioral activation is effective in social anxiety and it may be applied in prevention and treatment of social anxiety disorder.