Using the theory of self affirmation and self regulation strategies of mental contrasting and forming implementation intentions to reduce social anxiety symptoms
ABSTRACT Background and Objectives: Based on the results of past research on emotion regulation and positive behavioral change via self affirmation, it was hypothesized that self affirmation should help socially anxious individuals to reduce social anxiety symptoms. The effectiveness of a brief self affirmation intervention framed in terms of implementation intentions (if then plans with self affirming cognitions) was compared against forming non affirming implementation intentions (with distraction as a way of coping) and inactive control condition. Additionally, it was tested whether mental contrasting can augment the impact of the self affirmation intervention. Design/Methods: Participants (N 198, aged 18 45) were randomly assigned to one of three intervention conditions (self affirming implementation intention, mental contrasting with self affirming implementation intention, or non affirming implementation intention) or an inactive control group. Social anxiety symptoms were assessed at baseline and at one week post intervention. Results: The difference between the interventions and the control group was substantial. However, there were no differences in the reduction of overall social anxiety levels between the interventions. Each of the interventions produced a statistically significant reduction in social anxiety (Cohen's ds from .40 to .50) Conclusions: The results indicate no advantage for self affirming over non affirming implementation intentions in reducing social anxiety symptoms. Moreover, no superiority of mental contrasting was found.
Anxiety, stress, and coping