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04:48
Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
Published on: May 8, 2018
What cognitive behavioral techniques do therapists report using when delivering cognitive behavioral therapy for the
Glenn Waller1, Hannah Stringer, Caroline Meyer
1Eating Disorders Section, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, England. glenn.waller@kcl.ac.uk
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|December 7, 2011
Summary
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) clinicians treating eating disorders often deviate from established techniques, especially if anxious or experienced. Adherence improves with treatment manuals, highlighting training needs.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychotherapy Research
Background:
- Clinicians may deviate from evidence-based therapeutic techniques over time.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used approach for various mental health conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent of deviation from standard CBT techniques among clinicians treating adults with eating disorders.
- To identify factors associated with adherence to CBT protocols in this population.
Main Methods:
- Correlational study involving 80 qualified CBT clinicians treating adults with eating disorders.
- Clinicians reported their use of specific CBT techniques and completed a measure of anxiety.
- Analysis included clinician characteristics, technique implementation frequency, and use of treatment manuals.
Main Results:
- Implementation of core CBT techniques was significantly lower than recommended protocols.
- Clinician anxiety, age, and experience were negatively associated with technique adherence (p < .05).
- Use of treatment manuals correlated positively with adherence to recommended CBT techniques (p < .05).
Conclusions:
- Clinicians' self-reported use of the label "CBT" does not guarantee adherence to established protocols.
- Findings suggest a need for enhanced training and supervision to improve patient outcomes in eating disorder treatment.
- The study's findings on technique drift warrant investigation in other therapeutic modalities and patient populations.
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