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The efficacy of cognitive-behavioral interventions for reducing anxiety sensitivity: A meta-analytic review
Abstract
The present study meta-analytically reviewed the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) vs. control conditions in the reduction of anxiety sensitivity. A computerized search was conducted to identify CBT outcome studies that included the Anxiety Sensitivity Index as a dependent variable. Of the 989 studies that were identified, 24 randomized-controlled trials with a total of 1851 participants met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Data were extracted separately for treatment-seeking (16 studies) and at-risk (eight studies) samples. Results indicated large effect sizes for treatment-seeking samples, Hedges' g=1.40, SE=0.21, 95% CI: 1.00-1.81, p<0.001, and moderate to large effect sizes for at risk samples Hedges' g=0.74, SE=0.18, 95% CI: 0.39-1.08, p<0.001. Additionally, both the amount of therapist contact and control modality (waitlist vs. psychological control) moderated the effect sizes for treatment-seeking samples. Our review indicates that CBT is efficacious in reducing anxiety sensitivity. However, more research is needed to determine the mechanisms by which CBT exert its effects on anxiety sensitivity.
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“Indeed, CBT has been shown to successfully reduce AS across a range of mood and anxiety disorders, with large effect sizes (Smits et al., 2008).”
From Early reduction in anxiety sensitivity predicts greater reduction in disordered eating and trait anxiety during treatment for bulimia nervosa. (2024) · cites this paper as Smits et al., 2008
In the citing paper
“AS is effectively reduced during CBT for anxiety (Smits et al., 2008) and brief interventions targeting AS (Fitzgerald et al., 2021).”
From Early reduction in anxiety sensitivity predicts greater reduction in disordered eating and trait anxiety during treatment for bulimia nervosa. (2024) · cites this paper as Smits et al., 2008
In the citing paper
“There is evidence that treatments specifically targeting DT can help “pre-train” individuals for coping with high stress and withdrawal sensations.”
From A randomized controlled trial protocol for engaging distress tolerance and working memory to aid smoking cessation in low socioeconomic status (SES) adults (2020) · cites this paper as Smits, Berry, Tart, & Powers, 2008
In the citing paper
“For example, M. W. Otto and associates have repeatedly documented the value of interoceptive exposure (IE) interventions targeting anxiety sensitivity for helping prepare patients to persist through the stress, negative affect, and somatic symptoms inherent to benzodiazepine withdrawal, with intervention effects reflecting large effect sizes (M. W. Otto et al., 1993; M. W. Otto et al., 2010; for”
From A randomized controlled trial protocol for engaging distress tolerance and working memory to aid smoking cessation in low socioeconomic status (SES) adults (2020) · cites this paper as Smits, Berry, Tart, & Powers, 2008
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Metadata
- Authors
- Smits, J. A. J., Berry, A. C., Tart, C. D., & Powers, M. B.
- Affiliations
- Southern Methodist University (US)
- University of Amsterdam (NL)
- Corresponding author
- Smits, Jasper A.J.
- Venue
- Behaviour Research and Therapy
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2008-09
- Volume
- 46
- Issue
- 9
- Pages
- 1047-1054
- ISSN
- 0005-7967 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2116897798
- Cited by
- 241
- References
- 66
- Citations by year
- 2026: 5 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 14 · 2022: 16 · 2021: 16 · 2020: 13 · 2019: 24 · 2018: 16 · 2017: 16 · 2016: 21 · 2015: 20 · 2014: 12 · 2013: 10 · 2012: 19
- FWCI
- 7.73
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Behaviour Research and Therapy (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- UvA-DARE (University of Amsterdam) (publishedVersion)
- Radboud Repository (Radboud University) (submittedVersion)
- Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychological Treatments and Assessments
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
- Keywords
- cognitive behavioral therapy, anxiety sensitivity, Anxiety Sensitivity Index, treatment efficacy, therapist contact, waitlist control, psychological control, mechanisms of change
- MeSH terms
- Anxiety Disorders, Female, Humans, Male, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
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