Naslov
Efficacy of a brief computer-based cognitive-behavior intervention targeting increased anxiety sensitivity

Autori
Markanović, Dragana ; Bagarić ; Branka ; Jokić-Begić, Nataša

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, neobjavljeni rad, znanstveni

Skup
44th EABCT Annual Congress

Mjesto i datum
Den Haag, Nizozemska, 10.09.2014. - 13.09.2014

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Poster

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
anxiety sensitivity, cognitive-behvaioral therapy, computerised therapy ; psychoeducation ;

Sažetak
Anxiety sensitivity (AS) is defined as the fear of anxiety and anxiety-related physiological arousal. Anxiety sensitive persons percieve common anxiety-related symptoms as a sign of imminent personal harm, which increases their anxiety and puts them at risk for anxiety disorders, as well as other psychopathological problems. Recent studies indicate that AS is treatable and can be reduced, so it may be the primary target for the prevention and treatment of various mental health problems. CBT has been found to be very effective in reducing AS. Lately, brief computer- and Internet-based interventions became very popular and showed promising results, so the aim of our study was to investigate the efficacy of a brief computer-based CB intervention aimed at the reducing AS, and to prospectively evaluate the effects of this intervention on the incidence of various psychological problems during a 12-month follow-up (FU) period. Sixty-three individuals with elevated AS were randomized to one of three conditions: a psychoeducation targeting AS, an education on stress and health control condition, and no- treatment control condition. Each intervention was delivered via computer and was completed in a single 45-minute session. Various self-report (ASI, STAI, SAM, CORE-OM) and behavioral measures were administered at pretreatment, posttreatment, as well as at 6- and 12-month FU. All conditions led to modest, significant reductions in AS at post-treatment and across the FU period. Compared to control groups, the treatment group had significantly higher knowledge on AS at both post-treatment and FU period, but all three groups showed similar improvement in AS. Yet data from the 6-month FU showed less psychological distress in the treatment group, though group differences were not statistically significant at the end of the FU period. Our results support recent findings that AS is malleable following brief CB computer-aided intervention and that these reductions can be maintained over time. However, it seems that psychoeducation only is not sufficient for substantial reductions in AS. The practical implications of these findings will be discussed.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Psihologija

POVEZANOST RADA