Evaluating the efficacy of common humanity-enhanced exposure for socially anxious young adults. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Slivjak, Elizabeth T.; Pedersen, Eric J.; Arch, Joanna J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of anxiety disorders. Volume 87(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: SPIN Social Phobia Inventory -- LSAS-SR Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale Self-Report -- PHQ-8 Patient Health Questionnaire 8 -- SCS Self-Compassion Scale -- SUDS Subjective Units of Distress Scale -- HLM Hierarchical linear model; Self-compassion -- Social anxiety -- Exposure therapy -- Speech anxiety; Anxiety -- Periodicals; Anxiety Disorders -- Periodicals; Angoisse -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.8522
• DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102542
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0887-6185

Abstract

Abstract: Despite some evidence of the benefits of self-compassion training among socially anxious individuals, little is known about whether enhancing self-compassion prior to exposure therapy increases initial exposure engagement. Additionally, manipulations have relied on broad definitions of self-compassion, rendering it difficult to distinguish the impact of individual components. This study employed three experiential exercises designed to enhance one facet of self-compassion—common humanity. Socially anxious undergraduates ( N = 63) were randomized in groups to 1) common humanity-enhanced exposure ( n = 32) or 2) exposure alone ( n = 31). In the common humanity condition, participants wrote self-compassionately, shared fears, and completed a common humanity-focused lovingkindness meditation. All participants then completed a speech exposure in front of live judges followed by an optional second exposure. Within the common humanity condition, positive self-responding to the speech exposure increased ( b = 0.30, p = .026). Common humanity participants also remained in the first exposure longer, relative to exposure alone ( b = −30.92, p = .002). Participants rated exercises as at least moderately helpful, with sharing fears rated most helpful. In sum, a brief group-based multi-modal common humanity induction represents a promising approach to improving initial engagement with feared contexts among socially anxious individuals. Highlights: Self-compassion enhanced exposure engagement among socially anxious undergraduates. Participants in a common humanity training remained in a speech exposure longer. Common humanity training increased positive self-responding to a speech exposure. Less overall increase in state anxiety for those in common humanity condition. Group-based multi-modal common humanity induction is promising for social anxiety.