60. Intervention study on Life-scenario interpreting practice for generalized anxiety disorder

Abstract Background Generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent, impairing worry. Current treatments, including medication and therapy, are often limited by variable efficacy and dropout, highlighting the need for more engaging interventions. Interpreting—a cognitive-linguistic task requiring attention, memory, and language processing in realistic settings—may alleviate anxiety through cognitive diversion and enhanced perceived control. This study examines whether structured life-scenario interpreting practice reduces anxiety in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder. Methods The study recruited 90 adult patients meeting the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, who were randomly assigned to Group A (n = 30), Group B (n = 30), and Group C (n = 30). Group A received a 6-week life-scenario interpreting intervention consisting of group training twice a week, each session lasting 60 minutes. The content included bilingual simulated interpreting in contexts such as public settings, medical consultations, and social interactions. Group B received non-interpreting general language learning training of the same duration, while Group C maintained routine daily life without structured intervention. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory–State subscale (STAI-S), and heart rate variability (HRV) were used as assessment tools before and after the intervention. Group differences were compared using repeated measures ANOVA and analysis of covariance. Results Post-intervention comparisons showed Group A had superior improvement in anxiety and autonomic regulation versus Groups B and C. As Table 1 shows, Group A showed significant pre-post gains in GAD-7, STAI-S, and HRV (all p<.001, η2 = 0.35 ~ 0.52). Group B improved on anxiety scales (p<.05, η2 = 0.06 ~ 0.18) but not HRV (p=.082). Group C showed no significant changes. Pairwise comparisons confirmed Group A outperformed both B (GAD-7: p<.01; STAI-S: p<.001; HRV: p<.05) and C (GAD-7 & STAI-S: p< .001), and Group B surpassed C on GAD-7 (p<.05). Discussion Life-scenario interpreting practice reduced anxiety and improved autonomic regulation in generalized anxiety disorder. Effects may stem from increased cognitive flexibility, better emotional regulation, and reduced repetitive worry. Future work should use neuroimaging to assess neural correlates and develop culturally adaptable modules, providing a low-cost cognitive-behavioral intervention option.