Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026

Investigating Pain-Related Avoidance Behavior using a Robotic Arm-Reaching Paradigm
Published on: October 3, 2020
Determinants of long-term response to group therapy for dysfunctional fear of progression in chronic diseases
Andreas Dinkel1, Peter Herschbach, Petra Berg
1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Unversität München, München, Germany. a.dinkel@tum.de
Abstract:
Prior work demonstrated that cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and supportive-experiential (SET) group interventions can reduce dysfunctional fear of progression (FoP) in patients with chronic diseases. In this secondary analysis of a randomized controlled study, we investigated determinants of long-term response to group therapy for FoP. Response to therapy after 12 months was assessed using the Reliable Change Index (RCI). Outcome data were available for 129 patients with cancer and 116 patients with chronic arthritis. 37.9% of the patients in the CBT group and 32.7% of those attending the SET group indicated response to therapy (p=.402). Educational level predicted long-term response to therapy (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.33-4.81; p=.005). Medical patients with lower education may need additional attention in order to gain long-lasting benefit from brief group psychotherapy. However, this investigation needs to be replicated in a study that includes a broader range of psychological predictors.
Related Concept Videos
Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...
Cognitive Dissonance
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Preparedness and Phobias
Classification of Illness
An illness is a response to a disease in which the person's level of functioning is changed compared with a previous level. The general classification of illness includes acute and chronic.
Acute illness is severe and...
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...