Effects of Videotaped Feedback in Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder

Research on videotaped feedback demonstrates its potential in reducing negative and exaggerated self perceptions in performance situations, particularly for individuals with social anxiety The current study investigated the effects of videotaped exposures in the context of cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBGT) for social anxiety disorder (SAD). Ninety-three participants with DSM-IV-TR (American Psychiatric Association, 2000) diagnosed SAD completed videotaped exposures at sessions four and eight in the course of their CBGT treatment. Participants were assessed for symptom and cognitive functioning during the videotaped performance, and one week later upon return to view their previously taped exposure. Results of the study suggest that videotaped feedback decreases anxiety and perceived social costs, and increases positive appraisals of performance. Accommodating corrective information from the first taping cycle also leads to increased performance ratings for the next taping cycle, and inward focus of attention decreases across the two tapings. The results of this study have implications for the cognitive model of SAD, and the utility of routinely employing videotaped feedback in the course of CBT treatment of SAD.