Evaluation of an online cognitive-behavioural treatment programme for social anxiety for higher education students: the Participate programme

Mise à jour : Il y a 4 ans
Référence : ISRCTN12505737

Femme et Homme

  • | Pays :
  • -
  • | Organes :
  • -
  • | Spécialités :
  • -

Extrait

Background and Study Aims Social anxiety describes a condition where someone is fearful of social situations. It is one of the most common types of psychological difficulty that people can face. The problem affects a significant number of higher-education students and it can cause them to struggle to progress academically or to succeed in a career. Social anxiety may also lead to isolation, depression and substance misuse. Research suggests that one-to-one cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) with a trained practitioner is the best treatment for social anxiety. However, there are not enough CBT therapists to treat the large numbers of students having difficulties, and, in any case, it is too expensive to do so. The aim of this study then is to test an online programme based on cognitive-behavioural therapy. The effect of the programme is measured by assessing the severity of social anxiety experienced by the participants before and after the treatment. Who can participate? Adult higher-education students suffering from social anxiety. What does the study involve? All students in participating higher-education institutions are sent an email with a link to a website where they can register to look at an introductory module that explains the CBT model of social anxiety, what the programme involves and how to apply. The application process involves consenting to take part in the research and completing questionnaires to assess social anxiety and depression. Applicants who meet the criteria for the research are then allocated randomly to one of three groups. One group can start the programme immediately, and have a personal supporter (a trained psychology graduate), who contacts the student every week with feedback on their progress. A second group undertake the online programme without a personal supporter, and a third group are allocated to the supported version of the programme, but have to wait for 3 months before they can begin.The online CBT programme, called Participate, consists of 5 essential and 1 optional module. Modules consist of text, videos, exercises and logs in which to record work. The modules help the participants to learn about the thoughts and behaviours that maintain social anxiety, and how to change those thoughts and behaviours, so as to build confidence and overcome the condition. At the end of an 8-week period social anxiety and depression are assessed again for participants in each of the 3 groups. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Benefits of participating include a better understanding of social anxiety, a reduction in anxiety about social situations and increased participation in social and work-related activities. Potential risks of participating are insignificant, however some temporary increases in anxious feelings, while thinking about or engaging in social activities, may be experienced. Where is the study run from? 1. School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway (Ireland) 2. Dublin Institute of Technology, Aungier Street, Dublin (Ireland) 3. University of West Scotland, Hamilton (Scotland) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? June 2014 to September 2016 Who is funding the study? National University of Ireland, Galway Who is the main contact? Éamonn Ó Dochartaigh


Critère d'inclusion

  • Social Anxiety

Liens