The Comparative Effectiveness of Systematic Desensitization and an Integrative Approach in Treating Public Speaking Anxiety: A Literature Review and a Preliminary Investigation

An analysis of the literature related to public speaking anxiety (PSA) and various treatments of it are discussed. PSA is a state or situational type of anxiety which can have tremendous effects on those who suffer from it. Two of the major treatments–systematic desensitization (SD) and the integrative approach (IA) are reviewed and then experimentally tested to determine which is the more effective in treating PSA. The results are somewhat inclusive but there is strong evidence to suggest that both SD and IA reduce trait and state anxiety. It was, however, found that IA is more effective in decreasing the symptoms associated with PSA.