Interpersonal Patterns in Social Anxiety Disorder: Predictors and Outcomes of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Given the strong associations of social anxiety disorder (SAD) with interpersonal problems and insecure attachment, this study sought to examine specific interpersonal problem domains in relation to the outcome of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for SAD.

Ninety-five adults with SAD received individual CBT and completed a measure of attachment style at pretreatment, as well as measures of interpersonal problems and social anxiety at pre- and posttreatment.

At baseline, social anxiety was significantly associated with overall interpersonal problems, multiple specific interpersonal problems, as well as insecure attachment. Interpersonal problems decreased significantly over the course of treatment but did not predict a reduction in social anxiety. No specific interpersonal problem predicted changes in social anxiety. The greatest changes from pre- to posttreatment were observed across avoidance-related interpersonal problems. Higher levels of secure attachment predicted lower social anxiety, but individuals with less secure attachment experienced a greater reduction in social anxiety from pre- to posttreatment. However, this interaction was significant for only one of three measures of social anxiety.

Our findings suggest that although higher levels of interpersonal problems and lower levels of secure attachment predict greater social anxiety, interpersonal problems and insecure attachment do not predict poorer treatment outcome.