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

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.