Efficacy of CBT in the Management of Cyberchondria: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Aim of the Study: This study investigated the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in alleviating cyberchondria among young adults, comparing it with problem-solving-based psychoeducation.

Methodology: Twenty participants (4 men, 16 women) were purposively sampled and randomly assigned to either CBT or psychoeduation, involving six online group sessions. Participants, aged 18-35 years (Mean = 25.80; SD = 4.48), were assessed using the Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI; Salkovskis et al., 2002), Whiteley Index (WI; Pillowsky, 1967), and Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS; McElroy et al., 2019) before and after therapy.

Findings: Results revealed a significant post-treatment difference between the two groups. The CBT group exhibited noteworthy reductions in CSS, SHAI, and WI scores, indicating its efficacy in managing cyberchondria. Controlling for covariates demonstrated statistically significant differences in participants' scores on outcome measures, affirming the overall efficacy of both interventions in improving cyberchondria.

Conclusion: This study holds substantial implications for developing targeted strategies to address the growing concern of cyberchondria.