The study found that adolescents experienced significantly lower anxiety and more positive self-evaluations when they shifted attention externally and reduced safety behaviours compared to when they focused internally and relied on safety behaviours. Video feedback further improved perceptions of social performance and appearance by helping young people challenge overly negative self-images. Analysis of participants’ social fears and self-images highlighted common themes such as fear of appearing awkward, boring, nervous, or making mistakes during social interactions. Overall, the findings provide strong support for two key mechanisms targeted within CT-SAD and demonstrate how modifying self-focused attention, safety behaviours, and negative self-imagery can contribute to reductions in adolescent social anxiety.