How to Deal with Negative Thoughts? A Preliminary Comparison of Detached Mindfulness and Thought Evaluation in Socially Anxious Individuals

Abstract

This study compared two techniques, detached mindfulness (DM) and thought evaluation (TE), for dealing with negative thoughts that are drawn from different treatment modalities. Twelve participants with high social anxiety practised each technique in a cross-over repeated measures design before giving a speech. It was predicted that each technique would be advantageous, but that DM would be superior to TE overall. Results showed that both techniques improved anxiety scores. DM led to reductions in the observer-perspective, negative beliefs, and anticipatory processing as well. The overall change attributed to DM was greater than that attributed to TE. The results also suggested that combining these techniques in certain ways might prove disadvantageous. Results are discussed in terms of the potential clinical implications.