Using clinical science to tackle code review anxiety
summary
Research shows a targeted intervention actually reduces code review anxiety: a randomized controlled trial with 59 developers uses path analysis to identify low anxiety self‑efficacy, cost bias, and probability bias as drivers, then delivers a single-session cognitive behavioral workshop (Zoom) teaching assessment, arousal control, thought challenging, and exposure. The team publishes a free code review anxiety workbook, and results report decreased anxiety, increased self‑efficacy and self‑compassion.
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chapters (10)
- 0:00Code review anxiety intro
- 2:45What is review anxiety
- 6:37Why generic advice fails
- 8:23Science-driven model
- 10:29Cognitive workshop design
- 12:36Challenging review biases
- 16:27Testing with developers
- 18:12Talking anxiety on team
- 20:38Using the workbook
- 21:41Key takeaways
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