An Internet-Based Intervention for Individuals With Social Anxiety and Different Levels of Taijin Kyofusho in China

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to investigate the efficacy of internet-based cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) for individuals with social anxiety (SA) and different levels of Taijin Kyofusho (TKS) in China. The ICBT program was translated into Chinese with some specific contents adapted for Chinese culture. Participants ( N = 80) with SA were assigned either to a treatment ( n = 55) or control group ( n = 25). Both groups were further divided into subgroups, based on their Taijin Kyofusho Scale (TKSS) scores. Participants in the ICBT treatment group reported significant posttreatment reductions in Social Interaction Anxiety Scale and Social Phobia Scale scores, relative to participants in the control group. In addition, participants in the treatment group with higher pretreatment TKS levels showed significantly greater reductions in TKSS scores. Results suggest that ICBT is a promising approach for the treatment of individuals with SA both with and without features of TKS. Clinical and cross-cultural implications, mechanisms of change, limitations, and future directions are discussed.