A systematic review exploring therapist competence, adherence, and therapy outcomes in individual CBT for children...

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychology
• Psychotherapy Research

Background:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is increasingly used for children and adolescents.
• The specific mechanisms driving CBT's effectiveness in this population remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the relationship between therapist adherence and competence and therapeutic outcomes in child and adolescent CBT.
• To identify gaps in the current research literature.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review methodology was employed.
• Five studies met the inclusion criteria for analysis.

Main Results:

• The existing literature is sparse and yields inconclusive findings.
• Effect sizes linking therapist adherence, competence, and outcomes were minimal or non-existent.
• Inconsistent results were observed across the reviewed studies.

Conclusions:

• The current body of research is insufficient to draw firm conclusions.
• The impact of adherence and competence on therapeutic outcomes in pediatric CBT is not yet understood.
• Findings are consistent with inconclusive results in the adult CBT literature.