A Comparison of Ultra-Brief Cognitive Defusion and Positive Self-Affirmation Interventions on the Reduction of Public Speaking Anxiety

Brandrick, Chloe, Hooper, Nic, Roche, Bryan, Kanter, Jonathan and Tyndall, Ian (2020) A Comparison of Ultra-Brief Cognitive Defusion and Positive Self-Affirmation Interventions on the Reduction of Public Speaking Anxiety. Psychological Record. ISSN 0033-2933 (In Press)

Text PSA Defusion Accepted TPR August 2020.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only until 30 August 2021. Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (294kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Objectives: The present study examined the preliminary efficacy of an ultra-brief cognitive defusion intervention, compared to a positive self-affirmation intervention, on moderate subclinical Public Speaking Anxiety (PSA). Method: Sixty-three participants (M=25.70 yrs, SD=9.48) first completed a questionnaire assessing PSA symptomology and were then randomly assigned to receive one of two interventions (cognitive defusion, positive self-affirmation) or nothing at all (no-treatment control). All participants then performed an impromptu speech task before recompleting the questionnaire. Results: A significant decrease in PSA was reported within the cognitive defusion condition, relative to the positive self-affirmation and no-treatment control conditions. Conclusions: An ultra-brief cognitive defusion intervention has the potential to reduce short-term anxiety among those with moderate PSA.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	public speaking anxiety, defusion, self-affirmation
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions:	Departments > Psychology and Counselling
Depositing User:	Ian Tyndall
Date Deposited:	09 Sep 2020 13:56
Last Modified:	09 Sep 2020 13:56
URI:	http://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/5322

Actions (login required)

View Item