Trial-based psychotherapy and the efficacy of trial-based thought record in changing unhelpful core beliefs and reducing self-criticism.
BACKGROUND
The best prevention against relapse results when patients are taught to restructure negative core beliefs (CBs). Efficacy of the trial-based thought record (TBTR) in decreasing the credit given by patients to negative CBs and corresponding emotions was evaluated.


METHODS
Patients (n = 166) were submitted to a simulation of a legal trial to assess their adherence to negative CBs and corresponding emotions after each cognitive therapy technique incorporated by TBTR.


RESULTS
Significant reductions existed in percent values after the first and second defense attorney pleas, as well as after jury's verdict and initial preparation for the appeal (p < 0.001), relative to the investigation phase. Significant differences also emerged between the defense attorney's first and second pleas and between the defense attorney's second plea and jury's verdict, as well as preparation for the appeal (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between percentages presented by patients submitted to TBTR used in the empty chair format relative to the conventional format. Similarly, there was no difference between outcomes, regardless of therapists' level of exposure to TBTR.


CONCLUSIONS
TBTR may help patients reduce attachment to negative CBs and corresponding emotions. Outcomes were significantly favorable regardless of the format use and therapists' level of exposure to TBTR.
Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil. irismar.oliveira@uol.com.br
Irismar Reis
IR
de Oliveira
Curt
C
Hemmany
Vania B
VB
Powell
Thaís D
TD
Bonfim
Erica P
EP
Duran
Nilma
N
Novais
Michella
M
Velasquez
Elaine
E
Di Sarno
Gledson L
GL
Alves
Joici A
JA
Cesnik
D000328:Adult; D003469:Culture; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019370:Observation; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012647:Self-Assessment; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013850:Thinking; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult