서강대학교

초록/요약

The present research aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of the emotion monitoring experience-sampling method (ESM) for individuals with social anxiety. In particular, ESM was expected to be beneficial for socially anxious individuals by enhancing decentering through allowing them to self-monitor their emotions, which includes the process of balancing between the biased internal-focus of attention and the external. In order to examine the effects of ESM in self-monitoring one’s emotions, college students with social anxiety were randomly assigned two groups: the Emotion Monitoring Experience-Sampling Method Group (EESMG) and the Control Experience-Sampling Method Group (CESMG). The EESMG assessed on their emotions that followed the most recent social interactions they have experienced, whereas the CESMG measured the varying tastes of the foods most recently consumed. As a result, the levels of decentering have not increased in the EESMG compared to the CESMG. In addition, there were no significant group differences found in the post-levels of social anxiety, but only the CESMG showed significant reduction in social anxiety after participating in the ESM. The study has its implications in its efforts to investigate into the ESM’s potential to enhance decentering for treatment of social anxiety through self-monitoring emotions. Finally, the limitations of the present study and suggestions for further study are addressed.