Abstract

This study aimed to examine effects of positive self-imagery induction on anticipatory anxiety, social ability perception, and fear of negative evaluation of individuals with social anxiety and to examine whether there were significant differences in self-imagery based on past- and future-oriented positive self-imagery induction. A total of 505 adults were screened using the Korean-Social Phobia Scale (K-SPS) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Sixty-six people who satisfied the criteria were selected as the social anxiety group. Participants were randomly assigned to a future positive self-imagery group, a past positive self-imagery group, and a control group. They worked on social performance tasks. Self-imagery induction interventions were conducted. Results of 64 patients who were successfully treated showed that the positive self-imagery induction intervention significantly improved the social anxiety group’s anticipatory anxiety, social ability perception, and fear of negative evaluation. Although there was no significant difference between past and future self-imagery groups, the impact of future positive self-imagery induction on anticipatory anxiety was greater, suggesting the possibility of further change through additional treatment sessions. These results provide an empirical basis for using positive self-imagery intervention to treat social anxiety disorder. Finally, implications and limitations of the current study and suggestions for follow-up studies are discussed.