Online Program for Social Anxiety

Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Program for Social Anxiety

The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of an online program in reducing symptoms of social anxiety, unhelpful thoughts, avoidance behaviours, fear of negative evaluations and improving quality of life in students with above-average social anxiety.

While there are many benefits to online programs in treating a variety of health issues (i.e., implementation in remote areas, cost-effectiveness, etc.), the primary challenge for online formats is to imitate real-life interactions while promoting a reduction in symptoms. This will be attempted in a six-month online program for social anxiety.

The present study will assess the efficacy of a six-month online program through measures of social anxiety, fear of negative evaluations, unhelpful thoughts, avoidance behaviours and quality of life. This information will be collected from students at baseline and upon completion of the online program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Registered UBC student
• Achieve an above-average score on a validated screening tool for social anxiety

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not a registered UBC student
• Clinical diagnosis of a mental illness