Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Rosenthal, Jennifer H

Titel

The effect of Internet use and treatment sought in individuals diagnosed with social phobia

Ort / Verlag

ProQuest Dissertations & Theses

Erscheinungsjahr

2009

Link zum Volltext

• ProQuest

Quelle

ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Social phobia is a disorder affecting over 15 million Americans, about 8% of the population. Previous research indicates that the Internet allows those with social phobia social relationships they may otherwise not have; however, there is a paucity of empirical research that addresses these online relationships. The purpose of this exploratory correlational study was to examine the amount of Internet use as it relates to degree of social phobia, whether or not treatment was being sought, and type of treatment sought; as measured respectively by the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale (GPIUS), the Leibowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), and a modified treatment-use survey. Surveys were used to gather data from individuals self-identified as having social phobia, ages 18-65, recruited through two online social phobia support sites (N=125). Correlational analyses indicated a significant positive relationship between amount of Internet use and LSAS scores. Whether or not treatment was sought or type of treatment sought was not significantly associated with either LSAS or GPIUS scores. These results supported the conclusion that individuals with severe social phobias were using the Internet as a means of increasing social interaction that was independent of any efforts to seek professional therapy. As technology continues to change our society, those with diagnoses such as social phobia will continue to live in that society. Previously, this incredibly debilitating illness left these individuals disconnected from the world, now this virtual world allows them to interact with others. This study contributes to positive social change by contributing to a greater knowledge about how technology impacts those with social phobia that can be useful for psychologists and therapists toward informing how they treat or reach these individuals.