Cognitive behaviour therapy for low self-esteem: a preliminary randomized controlled trial in a primary care setting

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Low self-esteem (LSE) is linked to psychiatric disorders and causes significant distress.
• While targeted by cognitive behavioural interventions, LSE is rarely the primary focus of treatment.
• This study investigates a transdiagnostic cognitive conceptualisation approach for LSE.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a preliminary randomized controlled trial of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for low self-esteem (LSE).
• To evaluate the efficacy of a focused, brief CBT intervention based on Fennell's transdiagnostic model.
• To assess the impact of CBT on LSE, overall functioning, depression, and psychiatric diagnoses.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-two participants were randomized into immediate treatment (IT) or waitlist (WL) groups.
• The IT group received 10 sessions of individual CBT with workbooks.
• Participants were followed up 11 weeks post-treatment.

Main Results:

• The immediate treatment group demonstrated significantly improved functioning in LSE, overall functioning, and depression compared to the waitlist group.
• The waitlist group showed similar positive responses to CBT after their waiting period.
• All therapeutic gains were sustained at the follow-up assessment.

Conclusions:

• A brief, focused CBT intervention shows promise for treating LSE and related conditions.
• The findings suggest CBT's effectiveness in a clinically diverse population with co-morbid disorders.
• Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is warranted.