Therapist-guided online group forums in internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder: A mixed-methods analysis

Internet-based treatments for social anxiety disorder (SAD) have been widely studied in unguided and therapist-guided formats and, more recently, in group-guided formats that include guided online discussion forums. Little is known about what participants communicate and which processes unfold within these forum groups. This mixed-methods study analyzed communication in therapist-guided small-group forums integrated into an internet-based cognitive behavioral self-help program for SAD. Data stemmed from a three-arm randomized controlled trial and were limited to the forum arm. A qualitative content analysis of 511 forum posts from 60 participants identified 18 main categories. Communication was dominated by therapist input, interactional group processes, symptom-related exchanges, and relational content, indicating that the forum functioned as a shared therapeutic space linked to the cognitive-behavioral intervention. Exploratory associations between category frequencies and treatment outcomes were examined for completers ( n = 45). Higher frequencies of messages reflecting motivation ( r = 0.41), alliance ( r = 0.34), and observing positive consequences ( r = 0.32) were associated with greater symptom reduction on the Social Phobia Scale, but not on the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale. Program adherence (completed modules) was significantly associated with 10 of 18 categories, primarily motivational/relational processes, responses to self-disclosure, difficulties, and evaluations of alternative behaviors. Overall, therapist-guided online group forums extend the therapeutic learning environment by providing a social context in which motivational, relational, and treatment processes co-occur and are linked to outcome and adherence. Given the correlational and exploratory design, these associations should be interpreted cautiously and may represent mechanisms of change, markers of improvement, or both. • First mixed-methods study of communication in guided group iCBT for SAD • 2899 meaning units coded into 18 main categories • Relational, motivational, and CBT processes co-occurred in discussions. • Symptom reduction linked to motivational and alliance-related communication • Guided forums may improve engagement and outcomes via social context.