A community clinic randomly assigned 120 adults with social anxiety disorder to either 12 weeks of group cognitive-behavioral therapy or 12 weeks of individual cognitive-behavioral therapy. Both therapy formats produced significant reductions on the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, with no statistically significant difference between formats. The group format cost roughly one-third as much per patient.
Which therapeutic factor is uniquely available in group rather than individual CBT for social anxiety?
- A
A trained therapist providing structured cognitive restructuring
- Bcheck_circle
In-session opportunities for naturalistic interpersonal exposure with peers
- C
Behavioral homework between sessions
- D
Use of Socratic questioning to challenge beliefs
Explanation
Group format provides repeated, real-time interpersonal exposure—a distinctive therapeutic mechanism for social anxiety. Therapist guidance, Socratic questioning, and homework occur in both formats.