Abstract

Social anxiety disorder is common among emerging adults and is associated with serious functional impairment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective intervention for social anxiety. An online version may increase access but low completion rates limit utility. This study investigated a self-guided, internet-based CBT (ICBT) with peer coach support. Participants were 35 undergraduate students randomized for immediate treatment (IT) or wait-list control (WL) in a randomized controlled trial design. IT participants completed a six-week ICBT program on their own and met briefly with a minimally trained undergraduate student as a “coach” between each lesson. IT participants had a greater decline in social anxiety relative to WL participants. High treatment retention and satisfaction ratings demonstrate the acceptability of this online intervention with peer coach support. The higher than expected enrollment from international students suggests ICBT may serve hard-to-reach college populations. This model of care could augment traditional mental health services to expand the availability of care.

摘要

社交焦虑症在新兴成年人中很常见，并与严重的功能障碍有关。认知行为疗法（CBT）是一种有效的社交焦虑干预措施。在线版本可能会增加访问量，但完成率低会限制实用性。本研究调查了一个自我指导的、基于互联网的 CBT (ICBT)，并有同伴教练的支持。参与者是随机对照试验设计中随机接受立即治疗 (IT) 或等待名单控制 (WL) 的 35 名本科生。IT 参与者自己完成了为期六周的 ICBT 课程，并在每节课之间与一名受过最低限度培训的本科生短暂会面，作为“教练”。与 WL 参与者相比，IT 参与者的社交焦虑下降幅度更大。高治疗保留率和满意度评级表明这种在线干预与同伴教练支持的可接受性。国际学生的入学率高于预期表明 ICBT 可能服务于难以接触到的大学人群。这种护理模式可以增强传统的心理健康服务，以扩大护理的可用性。