“Sacred Moments”: Social anxiety in a larger perspective

Abstract

A treatment protocol was developed and piloted to examine whether perception of the sacred dimensions of their lives can be enhanced for people with social anxiety, and if so, whether that has therapeutic benefit. A 10-session manualized group treatment was developed to increase perception of sacredness in various domains of daily life. The treatment is described, as are preliminary results from two pilot groups. The small sample size limits quantitative analysis, but qualitative follow-up interviews, single-case analysis, and case material indicate decreased anxiety over time. Enhanced sense of sacredness appeared useful in broadening attentional focus, interrupting dysfunctional thought patterns, and generating behaviors incompatible with social anxiety. Focusing on sacredness instead of symptoms allowed participants to form supportive interpersonal relationships within the group, providing a corrective experience of social interaction. Although health professionals rarely discuss religion and spirituality with their clients, participants in these pilot groups welcomed the opportunity to do so.

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the work of the 2003–2004 CPAR Research Seminar members who developed the original treatment manual: Carrie Doehring, Edina Farkas, Cecile Gunn, Dean Hammer, Tricia Hughes, Ho-Yeong Jong, Chunku Kang, Trudy Leone, and Celeste Riversa, under Ken Pargament's skill tutelage. This project was wholly funded by the Albert and Jessie Danielsen Endowment at Boston University.