The limits of bibliotherapy: A study of the differential effectiveness of self-administered interventions in individuals with panic attacks

Abstract

The present study compared the differential effectiveness of bibliotherapy with no therapist contact (bibliotherapy alone), and bibliotherapy plus daily self-monitoring and self-administered feedback (bibliotherapy plus monitoring), to daily self-monitoring and self-administered feedback (monitoring alone) and wait-list controls, in individuals with panic attacks. A repeated-measures MANOVA revealed no Condition × Time interaction or condition effect. However, a main effect for time across conditions emerged. Univariate tests revealed significant reductions from pre- to post-treatment for all groups for full-blown panic attacks, avoidance, panic cognitions, and panic symptoms. The results of this study cast doubt on the efficacy of bibliotherapy and self-monitoring interventions when utilized absent from contact with a professional who conducts the assessment and monitors treatment compliance.