The acceptability of an Internet-based self-help treatment for fear of public speaking

• Published in: British journal of guidance & counselling Vol. 37; no. 3; pp. 297 - 311
• Main Authors: Botella, C., Gallego, M.J., Garcia-Palacios, A., Baños, R.M., Quero, S., Alcañiz, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge Taylor & Francis Group 01.08.2009; Routledge; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Acceptability; Adults; Anxiety; Behavior Modification; Cognitive Restructuring; cognitive-behavioural therapy; Comparative Analysis; Counseling Techniques; Efficacy; Fear; Fear & phobias; Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (Watson Friend); fear of public speaking; Foreign Countries; Internet; Interpersonal Competence; Outcomes of Treatment; Psychology; Public Speaking; Satisfaction; Self help; Self Help Programs; Selfhelp programmes; Social anxiety; Social Avoidance Distress Scale (Watson Friend); social phobia; Spain; Teaching Methods; telepsychology; Therapy; Spain
• ISSN: 0306-9885; 1469-3534
• DOI: 10.1080/03069880902957023

Several randomised controlled studies have shown the efficacy of Internet-based self-help treatments. These studies have centred their attention on axis I (efficacy) of the Guidelines for Empirically Validated Treatments, although there are a few studies that also take into account axis II (effectiveness). The aim of the present work was to test the acceptability of an Internet-based self-help program for fear of public speaking and to compare its acceptability with the same treatment administered by a therapist. Fifty-two participants suffering from social phobia were randomly selected to take part in one of these treatments. All participants reported being satisfied with the treatment received, and results did not show significant differences between both treatments. These outcomes were maintained at 12-month follow-ups.