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The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Social Anxiety Disorder in Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been widely recognized as the first-line treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) in adolescents. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluates the efficacy of CBT in reducing social anxiety symptoms and improving overall functioning in adolescents. Through a comprehensive review of the literature, the meta-analysis synthesizes effect sizes from RCTs assessing the effectiveness of CBT compared to control conditions (e.g., waitlist, supportive therapy) in targeting core symptoms of SAD, including fear of negative evaluation, avoidance behaviors, and social functioning. Additionally, it examines potential moderators of treatment outcomes, such as intervention duration, format (individual vs. group), therapist involvement, and participant characteristics (e.g., age, severity of symptoms), to better understand the factors influencing the effectiveness of CBT for SAD in adolescents.
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References
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