Effects of historically portrayed modeling and group treatment on self-observation: A comparison with agoraphobics

Abstract

The effects of historically portrayed modeling and group treatment on self-observation were determined in a factorial design with agoraphobic patients. Group 1 saw a videofilm and was treated individually; group 2 saw the film and received group treatment; group 3 did not see the film and received individual treatment; and group 4 did not see the film and received group treatment. In the video recording improved ‘ex-clients’ related their experiences with the same treatment.

Assessments were made at the beginning and at the end of treatment and at the follow-up 1 month later. Assessments were carried out by an independent observer (measurement in vivo, phobic anxiety and avoidance scales, anxious mood and panic), and by the client (phobic anxiety and avoidance scales, FSS, Social Anxiety Scale, SDS and I-E scale).

Group treatment was just as effective as individual treatment. The videofilm did not increase the effect of the treatment