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Cognitive change process during group cognitive behaviour therapy for depression.
Tian P S Oei1, Kevin Bullbeck, Justine M Campbell
1School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. oei@psy.uq.edu.au
Journal of Affective Disorders
|March 18, 2006
Summary
This study on major depressive disorder found that while cognitive behaviors improved with therapy, reduced depression symptoms actually led to fewer negative thoughts, challenging Beck's theory on the primacy of cognition.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Extends previous models of Beck's cognitive theory of depression.
- Investigates causal, consequential, and interactive cognitive models in major depressive disorder patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test competing cognitive models in patients with major depressive disorder.
- To examine the relationship between cognitive changes and depressive symptoms during therapy.
Main Methods:
- 168 outpatients with major depressive disorder underwent a 12-week group cognitive behavior therapy.
- Data collected at baseline, mid-therapy, and termination using ATQ, DAS, and BDI.
- Structural equation modeling analyzed the data.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in dysfunctional attitudes, negative automatic thoughts, and depression symptoms observed.
- The fully interactive cognitive model showed the best fit to the data.
- Reduced depressive symptoms predicted reduced negative automatic thoughts and dysfunctional attitudes.
Conclusions:
- Findings partially contradict Beck's cognitive theory, suggesting cognitions are not the sole primary factor in mood reduction.
- The directionality of effect indicates symptom reduction may precede cognitive change.