The effects of brief internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for senior students with health anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic

Mohammad Soukhtanlou; Reza Pourhosein; Ali Purabbas; Sahra Naseri

doi:10.53730/ijhs.v5nS2.13880

Authors

Mohammad Soukhtanlou
M_soukhtanlou@ut.ac.ir
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Reza Pourhosein Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Ali Purabbas Faculty of Education and Psychology, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
Sahra Naseri Kish International Campus, University of Tehran, Kish, Iran

Keywords:

iCBT, health anxiety, anxiety, COVID-19, student, SHAI

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the efficiency of a brief online, self-guided cognitive behavioral therapy for general and health anxiety of high school senior students. 286 students (aged 18-19) in eight high schools of Mashhad were selected randomly and assessed with the short form of Health Anxiety Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory were selected. Participants in the intervention group (n = 143) received a 4-week iCBT worksheets, while the control group (n= 143) did not receive any interventions. After post-assessment, the total score of SHAI is decreased by 6.6(26%); for general anxiety, which was assessed with BAI, ANCOVA analysis indicated f (77), p <0.001, partial η2 = .23. in the health anxiety, analysis of the values in the total score indicated a significant difference between two groups f (10.76), p <0.001, partial η2 = .61. online self-guided CBT could be efficient for students to reduce their general and health anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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