Trial-Based Thought Record (TBTR): preliminary data on a strategy to deal with core beliefs by combining sentence reversion and the use of analogy with a judicial process.
OBJECTIVE
To propose the Trial-Based Thought Record, a modified, 7-column thought record addressing core beliefs by sentence reversion and the analogy to a trial.


METHODS
Clients (n = 30) participated in a simulation of a trial and exhibited shifts in their adherence to core beliefs and in the intensity of corresponding emotions after each step (investigation, prosecutor s plea, defense attorney s plea, prosecutor s second plea, defense attorney s second plea, and jury verdict) during a session.


RESULTS
Significant mean reductions existed between percent values after investigation (taken as baseline) and defense attorney s plea (p < 0.001), and after the jury s verdict, either in beliefs (p < 0.001) or in intensity of emotions (p < 0.001). Significant differences also emerged between the defense attorney s first and second pleas (p = 0.009) and between the defense attorney s second plea and jury s verdict concerning core beliefs (p = 0.005) and emotions (p = 0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
Trial-Based Thought Record may at least temporarily help patients constructively reduce attachment to negative core beliefs and corresponding emotions.
Oliveira
Irismar Reis de
IR
Psychiatry Service, Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil. irismar.oliveira@uol.com.br
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003416:Criminal Law; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011582:Psychological Theory; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013850:Thinking; D055815:Young Adult