Mindfulness and acceptance-based group therapy versus traditional cognitive behavioral group therapy for social anxiety disorder: a randomized controlled trial

Behav Res Ther. 2013 Dec;51(12):889-98. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2013.10.007. Epub 2013 Oct 30.

Abstract

Recent research has supported the use of mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD).

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to compare mindfulness and acceptance-based group therapy (MAGT) with cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBGT) with respect to outcome. It was hypothesized that MAGT and CBGT would both be superior to a control group but not significantly different from one another.

Method: Individuals (N = 137, mean age = 34 years, 54% female, 62% White, 20% Asian) diagnosed with SAD were randomly assigned to MAGT (n = 53), CBGT (n = 53) or a waitlist control group (n = 31). The primary outcome was social anxiety symptom severity assessed at baseline, treatment midpoint, treatment completion, and 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were cognitive reappraisal, mindfulness, acceptance, and rumination. Depression, valued living, and group cohesion were also assessed.

Results: As hypothesized, MAGT and CBGT were both more effective than the control group but not significantly different from one another on social anxiety reduction and most other variables assessed.

Conclusions: The present research provides additional support for the use of mindfulness and acceptance-based treatments for SAD, and future research should examine the processes by which these treatments lead to change.

Keywords: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT); CBT; Mindfulness; Social anxiety disorder; Social phobia.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy / methods*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Attitude to Health
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mindfulness / methods*
  • Phobic Disorders / psychology
  • Phobic Disorders / therapy*
  • Psychotherapy, Group / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult