Graduate Program

Clinical Psychology

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

2006

Thesis Director

Keith Wilson

Thesis Committee Member

Daneen Deptula

Thesis Committee Member

Russell Gruber

Abstract

This study explored both the facilitators and barriers to treatment of individuals who have difficulties with anxiety in social situations. These barriers and facilitators to treatment were examined with respect to the participants' level of anxiety and their stage of change. Eleven participants, ten females and one male, completed the study. A screening procedure established that each participant was likely experiencing social phobia. These participants were then interviewed using a semi-structured interview. One of the main goals of the study was to develop an interview and coding procedures that provided reliable data. This goal was accomplished; the procedures used in the current study had much higher reliability than previous studies. The interview was coded to obtain data for several items, including barriers to treatment. Individuals in earlier stages of change reported treatment was "not necessary" or made statement that "normalized" the problem. In later stages, barriers reported were that the individual could "change on own" and was "unsure of where to go for treatment." It was also notable that all the individuals who reported moderate anxiety were in the precontemplation stage. Only two individuals with high anxiety were in the precontemplation stage; the other three were in the contemplation or action stage. Further studies need to be completed using more participants thus allowing for statistical analysis.

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