Preliminary Study on The Effect of Multicomponent Cognitive-behavioral Group Treatment Program for Fear of Flying

Lee, Sang Min; Lee, Chang Il; Ahn, Young Tae

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The multicomponent cognitive-behavioral group treatment program is an effective treatment for fear of flying (FOF). In Korea, the effect of this treatment has not yet been studied. This is a preliminary study to assess the program's effect for Koreans with FOF.
METHODS
Among 11 patients who participated in the treatment program, 10 completed the program, and data of 9 patients were obtained. Patients participated in individual treatment phase by diagnosis and symptoms, and in the group treatment phase for 2 days, composed of education on flight and anxiety, relaxation technique, cognitive reconstruction, imaginary exposure, mock-up treatment, real flight, etc. Flying history, Visual Analogue Flight Anxiety Scale (VAFAS), Flight Anxiety Situation Questionnaire (FAS) with 3 subscales (generalized, anticipatory, in-flight), Flight anxiety Modality Questionnaire (FAM) with 2 subscale (somatic, cognitive) were assessed before treatment and at 3 months after completion of the program.
RESULTS
8 patients made flights within 3 months after treatment. VAFAS, FAS total, 3 FAS subscales, FAM, and 2 FAM subscales were all decreased significantly after treatment.
CONCLUSION
This results suggest that the multicomponent cognitive-behavioral group treatment program is effective for Koreans with FOF.