Cognitive behavioural therapy plus Kiesler Circle Training (CBT+) versus CBT only for patients with interpersonal...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health Interventions
• Transdiagnostic Approaches

Background:

• Interpersonal problems are a key risk factor for anxiety and depression.
• Targeting interpersonal difficulties can improve mental health outcomes.
• The Kiesler Circle Training (KCT) is a transdiagnostic group intervention designed to enhance interpersonal skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of KCT as an add-on treatment for patients with depression or anxiety and interpersonal problems.
• To assess KCT's impact on reducing interpersonal problems and psychiatric symptoms.
• To explore the moderating role of child maltreatment on interpersonal problem trajectories.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 156 outpatients diagnosed with depression or anxiety disorder.
• Participants received either standard cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) alone (control) or CBT plus KCT (experimental).
• KCT comprised 1 introductory session and 12 weekly 100-minute group sessions focusing on communication and conflict resolution.

Main Results:

• Hypothesized greater reduction in interpersonal problems in the KCT group compared to the control group.
• Hypothesized greater symptomatic improvement in the KCT group regarding primary diagnoses.
• Investigated the moderating effect of child maltreatment on interpersonal problem resolution.

Conclusions:

• KCT is a feasible modular transdiagnostic add-on intervention for individuals with interpersonal difficulties.
• The findings aim to provide evidence for KCT's effectiveness in improving interpersonal skills and mental health.
• Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.