Effectiveness of training of Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) strategies on reducing social anxiety

The paper was aimed at exploring the efficacy of Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) strategies on social anxiety people referring to counseling centers. To do this, the number of 30 people with social anxiety disorder who had referred for counseling was selected as the sample, and completed Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (1987). The pretest having been administered, 30 people were randomly placed in experimental and control groups respectively. The experimental group received ten sessions of training of neuro-linguistic programming strategies. The interventions were a combination of NLP tools, including the art of self-assertiveness, WACO system, Neuro-linguistic logical level, goal-setting, Switch system, chart sections, rapport, Metal model, encore and modeling. After the interventions were ended, the subjects of both groups were tested with Liebowitz Test twice. The data obtained were examined by using SPSS software ver.17 and statistical independent T Test. Research findings illustrated a significant difference between the experimental and control groups as regards posttest social anxiety scores (P = -0/001). Also, with regards to performance anxiety, a significant difference was seen between the two groups in the posttest (P = -0/001).