The Effects of Group Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Self-Compassion, Social Anxiety and Ruminative Thought Style of Turkish Youth Transitional Age: A Controlled Study on University Students

Abstract Background: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) occurs in social environment or performance conditions, is characterized by the fear of being negatively evaluated or showing symptoms of anxiety and usually causes avoidance behavior. It is known that that changing negative thoughts and producing alternative thoughts have an important place in the treatment of social anxiety disorder. In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the focus is mainly on the person's negative thoughts about himself. Group Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBGT) is frequently used therapy model in anxiety disorders, including social anxiety. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of CBGT on the social anxiety levels of university students with SAD, as well as on their ruminative thinking and self-compassion. Methods: Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale was applied to 1200 students. 30 university students who had highest social anxiety levels were selected. The selected students were assigned to the experimental and placebo groups. CBGT was applied to the experimental group, and communication-based group therapy was applied to the placebo group. Results: There is a significant difference between pretest and posttest of the LSF and rumination levels of the experimental group. In addition, LFS and rumination post-test levels were found to differ significantly according to the group. There was no significant difference in self-compassion levels. Conclusion: The social anxiety and ruminative thinking levels of the students with social anxiety disorder who were applied cognitive behavioral group therapy decreased. No change was observed in the self-compassion levels of the individuals.