Patients' anxiety of public speaking to a group audience versus dropping-out the group therapy

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Patients' anxiety of public speaking to a group audience versus dropping-out the group therapy

Journal Title: Psychoterapia - Year 2015, Vol 174, Issue 3

Abstract

ObjectivesThe main objective of the research conducted by the author was to determine the relationship between the level of the anxiety of public speaking in patients suffering from various kinds of neurotic disorders and resigning their participation in group therapy.MethodsMethodsThe level of the anxiety of public speaking was determined by the use of Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA) questionnaire by J. C. McCroskey and R. McVetta.ResultsThe author reported a statistically significant relationship between the anxiety of speaking and dropping-out the group therapy. He showed that this type of anxiety is greater and more common – and hence the more frequent abandoning the treatment – in the case of larger groups (10 to 12 people), organized in a closed form, and heterogeneous ones (diversified). He also found that dropping-out the therapy most frequently occurs in the initial phase of the development of a closed group dynamics („orientation and dependency“) and by members of the group performing subordinate roles – those of a "scapegoat" and an "outsider". Moreover, the author noticed that earlier preparations for the psychotherapy made by the members of a group prevent the phenomenon of leaving the psychotherapy and decrease the anxiety of public speaking.ConclusionsThe author provides several ways for reducing the anxiety of public speaking, such as exercises based on role-playing techniques, drama and using the camera, and learning how to achieve the state of relaxation, as well as those arising due to the attitude of the therapist and his/her attention to initiate.

Authors and Affiliations

Wiesław Sikorski

Keywords

drop-out group psychotherapy anxiety of public speaking psychoterapia grupowa drop-out lęk przed publicznym mówieniem

EP ID EP133152
DOI 10.12740/PT/58829
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