The use of stress inoculation training in the reduction of public speaking anxiety.

Reported results of three separate anxiety treatment studies that used stress inoculation training (SIT). Ss (N = 62) were students in introductory speech classes who reported speech anxiety. Treatment consisted of variations of SIT that used a recently proposed educational rationale that allowed for maximal treatment flexibility. Anxiety measurement involved self-report while the S was giving in-class speeches and ratings of anxiety behaviors. Results revealed that treated Ss improved significantly in self-reported anxiety and self-efficacy and that all Ss improved on rated anxiety behaviors. Rival hypotheses for these results are presented and discussed.