Sixth-year follow-up of the effects of recreational activities found to eliminate the symptoms of social phobia and shyness

Background: The lack of 6-year follow-up studies that test the effect of recreational activities in the recovery of social phobia and shyness symptoms is the reason to conduct this study. Aim: The purpose is to follow the effect of the 12-week recreational activity program found to eliminate social phobia and shyness symptoms after the completion of university studies in its sixth year. Methods: At the end of the 12-week recreational activity program that treats the symptoms of social phobia and shyness in university prep school students, 83 students who participated in the posttest both from intervention and control groups were invited to the study. In the sixth-year follow-up study, a total of 51 voluntary students – 32 from the intervention group and 19 from the control group – were administered the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, the Shyness Scale and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory. Results: When the pretests and the sixth-year scores are compared, it is seen that it still has an improving effect on social phobia and shyness; when the posttests and the sixth-year tests are compared, no difference is seen regarding social phobia whereas it is seen that recovery still continues regarding the symptoms of shyness, and a decrease is seen in self-esteem. Discussion: While the improving effect of recreational activities on shyness and social phobia symptoms still continues, their effect on self-esteem decreases. Conclusion: It is suggested that recreational activities should be included in the programs at universities regarding personal and professional development, and the reasons for the decrease in self-esteem scores should be determined through more detailed studies.