Systematic desensitization is described as an effective method for reducing test and speech anxieties in college students. Two standardized hierarchies, one for test anxiety, are presented to minimize problems in hierarchy construction. (Author)

The fear of speaking before a group affects a high percentage of American adults. The effectiveness of an audiotape desensitization program was compared to conventional therapist-led group desensitization and no treatment for the modification of speech and communication anxiety behaviors. All desensitization treated subjects demonstrated…

This investigation compared the relative effectiveness of group-administered cue-controlled relaxation and group systematic desensitization in the treatment of speech anxiety. Also examined was the role of professional versus paraprofessional counselors in implementing the treatment program. A description of the cue-controlled relaxation technique…

Speech-anxious students ranging in age from 17 to 48 were offered a four-week speech anxiety group. Treatment groups demonstrated significantly greater speech anxiety reduction than the no-treatment controls at postassessment and follow-up assessment. (Author/MFD)