Effects of cognitive therapy for depression on daily stress-related variables.
This study used a daily diary design to evaluate depressed patients' changes on daily stress-related variables during cognitive therapy (CT). Patients completed daily diaries on two week-long occasions: after the intake interview and again after the sixth session of CT. Patients also completed a measure of depressive symptoms before every treatment session. After six sessions of CT, patients reported a significant reduction in: (a) depressive symptoms; (b) daily sad affect (SA); (c) daily negative thoughts associated with the day's most stressful event; and (d) SA reactivity to daily stressors. In addition, patients reported a significant increase in: (e) daily positive affect (PA); and (f) SA reactivity to daily negative thoughts. The results suggest that CT has its intended effects on the daily lives of depressed adults, and highlight the value of a daily diary methodology for research on CT.
Parrish
Brendt P
BP
University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
Cohen
Lawrence H
LH
Gunthert
Kathleen C
KC
Butler
Andrew C
AC
Laurenceau
Jean-Philippe
JP
Beck
Judith S
JS
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult