Effects of change in dysfunctional beliefs and self-esteem in avatar-based cognitive therapy for symptoms of social anxiety disorder: a randomized parallel trial
Randomized trial shows avatar-based cognitive therapy reduces social anxiety symptoms and impacts self-esteem.
Key Points
To evaluate the effectiveness of an avatar-based intervention in changing dysfunctional beliefs and self-esteem in relation to social anxiety disorder symptoms.
Randomized controlled trial design with N = 235 participants
Intervention group addressed personal dysfunctional beliefs via an avatar
Control group interacted with nonsensical statements from an avatar
Data collected pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at a 14-day follow-up
Statistical analyses included interaction effects and multiple regression analysis.
Significant group x time interaction effect on SAD symptom reduction, F(1, 233) = 4.106, p < .05
Medium effect size for symptom reduction in intervention group (d = 0.57)
Small effect size for symptom reduction in control group (d = 0.34)
Increased self-esteem linked to lower SAD symptoms (B = -0.56, p < .001)
Increase in dysfunctional cognitions related to higher SAD symptoms (B = 0.175, p = .021).