Internet Self-Help for University Students

Q1. The claim of the researchers is causal in nature, based upon the fact that the study attempts to determine the efficacy of using Internet? and mobile?based interventions (IMIs)to reduce social anxiety disorder with an experimental design (Khlke et al., 2019).

Q2. The design was experimental, given that a randomized control and experimental intervention group was used (Khlke et al., 2019).

Q3. The hypothesis was that in university students diagnosed with SAD, using IMI would reduce symptoms as measured 10 weeks posttreatment on the Social Phobia Scale (SPS) and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS).

Q4. The primary conceptual independent variable (the one which resulted from the manipulation of the researchers) was social anxiety symptoms as operationalized by a premeasured diagnosis.

Q5. The primary conceptual dependent variable was the reduction of social anxiety symptoms, measurement based upon independently validated scales.

Q6. All participants (n=200) were university students over the age of 18 which met DSM?IV Axis I Disorders for SAD, with exclusions made for individuals with suicidal symptoms or diagnosis of bipolar disorder, psychosis, or other severe mental disorders.

Q7. Participants in the experimental group received a cognitive behavioral intervention consisting of 9 hourly text-based sessions involving exercises, diaries, and homework outside of the classes (Khlke et al., 2019). All students within the experimental group received the same intervention, while the control group was merely placed upon a wait list for treatment.

Q8. The main results indicated that students in the experimental group self-reported a reduction in symptoms, compared with those of the experimental group, and also improvements upon other self-reported assessments scales, including depression, anxiety, quality of life, and other secondary symptoms associated with social anxiety.

Q9. The hypothesis that using a purely Internet-based intervention to reduce clinical social anxiety in university students and associated mental health issues like depression was supported.

Q10. Reliability was assessed using the Reliable Change Index of Jacobson and Truax and reduction in symptoms posttreatment.

Q11. Overall, the variable shows strong construct validity, given that all participants were assessed with independent, widely validated scales for social anxiety as well as...…similarly supported the use of internet-based interventions for the difficulties that many university students experience. An earlier study of 102 university students with the same disorder (social anxiety) with a similar CBT approach was found to reduce symptoms (McCall et al., 2018). One study by Kchler (et al., 2020) of 387 college students from 15+ cooperating universities in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland exhibiting low to moderate levels of mindfulness found that an internet-based intervention increased mindfulness and resilience. Internet and mobile applications have also been found to help patients with major depressive disorder, which can be comorbid with SAD, as noted in a study of 269 outpatients (Kenter et al., 2016).

As noted by the researchers, SAD as well as other mental health conditions associated with SAD such as depression and anxiety, can make individuals resistant to seeking treatment. Although studies have been small, the greater willingness of afflicted individuals to seek help online and evidence-based support for their efficacy suggests hope in the future that Internet and mobile treatments can be first or even…