ABSTRACT
The scientific research reviewed in the present compilation represents more than 30 years of studies that examine the effectiveness of self-administered treatment (SATs) programs. This research has progressed from treatment outcome studies evaluating the effects of such straightforward issues as self-administered desensitization for spider phobias and bibliotherapy for speech phobia to complex Internet-based interventions that incorporate virtual coaches and immediate feedback strategies. Controlled outcome studies have targeted everything from Axis I disorders (depression, panic disorders, bulimia nervosa) to habit disturbances (eating, smoking, drinking), children’s problems (enuresis, conduct problems), and health problems (Diabetes control, sleep disturbances). Outcome studies have doubled in each of the last two decades from prior decades and the types of problems targeted have become increasingly complex.
