Rational restructuring versus desensitization with clients of diverse conceptual levels: A test of a client-treatment matching model.

Examined the efficacy of matching treatment orientations differing in structure with clients differing in conceptual level (CL). Theoretically, "matched" conditions (i.e., high-structure treatment with low-CL clients and low structure treatment with high-CL clients) should be more effective than "mismatched" conditions (i.e., high-structure treatment with high-CL clients and low structure treatments with low-CL clients). 59 socially anxious males (as determined by the Social Anxiety Scale) were assessed as either high or low on CL (Paragraph Completion Test) and randomly assigned to rational cognitive restructuring (low structure), systematic desensitization (high structure), or a waiting list control group. After 5 1-hr-per-wk treatment sessions, analyses of the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale, Fear of Negative Evaluation Questionnaire, Behavioral Checklist for Interpersonal Anxiety, and a cognitive response assessment failed to confirm the matching model. Superiority of treatment effects relative to controls was obtained, with rational restructuring emerging as a preferred treatment. Discussion focuses on a comparison of this study with one in which the matching effect was obtained. (37 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)