A brief protocol of cognitive modification and gradual exposure for reduction of fear symptoms of public speaking

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, as well as therapy based on exposure, are eff ective procedures in treating phobias. In the present paper, a brief protoc ol that includes both procedures was proposed and tested in subjects who pr esented fear symptoms of public speaking, one of the most prevalent fear sy mptoms, particularly in college students. After the procedure, 15-month fol low-up, a significant improvement was observed. These results suggest that the brief protocol used in this experiment may be effective in relieving th is kind of fear and represents evident advantages over longer methods of tr aining or treatment. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.