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Lochman JE, Laird RD, McDaniel HL, Boxmeyer CL, Braun SS, Powell NP, Qu L. Intervention format and therapist-child agreement associated with therapeutic alliance and outcomes. J Consult Clin Psychol 2024; 92:26-43. [PMID: 37768632 PMCID: PMC10840890 DOI: 10.1037/ccp0000841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study examined the effects of therapeutic alliance (TA; relational bond, task collaboration) on externalizing behavior outcomes, how TA can operate differently when children are seen in individual versus group sessions, and how therapist-child disagreement in perceptions of TA affects outcomes. METHOD Three hundred sixty children (Ages 9.2-11.8; 65% male; 78.1% Black) identified as having high rates of aggressive behavior by the fourth-grade teachers, and their 20 elementary schools were randomized to group versus individual delivery of the cognitive behavioral intervention, Coping Power. TA ratings were collected from children and therapists at mid and end of intervention using the Therapeutic Alliance Scale for Children. Teacher ratings of children's externalizing and internalizing behavior problems were collected prior to intervention and at 1-year follow-up after intervention using the Behavior Assessment System for Children. RESULTS Children receiving the intervention individually reported significantly higher trait-like levels of task collaboration than did children seen in groups. Independent of intervention format, higher trait-like levels of therapist-rated bond and task collaboration predicted reduced levels of externalizing problems, and higher trait-like levels of child- and therapist-rated task-collaboration and therapist-rated bond predicted reduced levels of internalizing problems. Differences between therapist and child reports of bond predicted weaker reductions in internalizing behavior for children seen in groups. CONCLUSIONS It is essential to train therapists to develop and assess for TA by midintervention with children with aggressive behavior problems, especially if they are seen in small groups, and to determine if therapists may misperceive the strength of TA. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert D Laird
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Alabama
| | | | | | | | | | - Lixin Qu
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama
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Semeniuc S, Sterie MC, Soponaru C, Butnaru S, Gavrilovici O. Therapists' problematic experiences when working with obsessive-compulsive disorder: a qualitative investigation of schema modes, mode cycles, and strategies to return to healthy adult mode. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1157553. [PMID: 38161727 PMCID: PMC10755009 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1157553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most challenging pathologies for therapists, being chronic and often characterized by frequent relapses. The therapeutic relationship plays a critical role in the outcome of therapy. The dynamic interaction between therapist and client schema modes determines the quality of the relationship. The objective of the present qualitative research is to investigate and conceptualize the triggers for therapists when working with OCD clients, the therapists' schema modes that are activated, and the strategies they use to get back into the Healthy Adult mode. Method Using the in-depth interview technique, we interviewed 15 psychotherapists of various therapeutic orientations. After several demographic items, the therapists answered some introductory questions about their general perceptions of working with this pathology. They were then guided to go through a specific therapeutic situation in imagery that they identified as particularly difficult to manage in the therapeutic relationship. For data analysis, we used the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) method and thematic analysis. Results For therapists working with clients with OCD, two main categories of triggers have been identified: Perceived resistance to change and Superiority. Two other categories, Client immobilized by conflict and Abusive, emerged from our analysis. Therapists' reactions to triggers were synthesized into mode processes that (1) were not acted on and (2) were displayed in relation with the client. For mode processes that therapists did not explicitly act on, there was triggering of the Vulnerable Child in relationship with a Demanding Parent, followed by various coping modes, depending on the category of trigger, and in the displayed mode, most therapists operated in the Healthy Adult mode. With respect to the process, strategies used by therapists to return to Healthy Adult mode that stood out were: focusing on the process, self-acceptance, self-compassion, and somatic grounding strategies, and focusing on the client's resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzana Semeniuc
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Romania
| | - Maria Cristina Sterie
- “Constantin Rădulescu-Motru” Institute of Philosophy and Psychology, Department of Psychology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Camelia Soponaru
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Romania
| | - Simona Butnaru
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Gavrilovici
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Romania
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Zhang W, Yang W, Ruan H, Gao J, Wang Z. Comparison of internet-based and face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 168:140-148. [PMID: 37907037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely recognized as an effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, few patients are able to receive CBT. Internet-based CBT (ICBT) may be able to overcome this problem. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of CBT, therapist-guided ICBT (TG-ICBT), unguided ICBT (UG-ICBT), and none therapist-guided ICBT (NTG-ICBT) by a network meta-analysis. The primary outcome was the mean change in OCD severity measured by the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) or the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS). The secondary outcomes included the severity of depressive symptoms, side effects, and cost-effectiveness. A total of 25 trials with 1642 participants were included. We found that the efficacy of CBT was superior to that of TG-ICBT. The mean improvement in Y-BOCS/CY-BOCS scores was higher in CBT group than in UG-ICBT group, but this difference was not statistically significant. The efficacy did not differ significantly between TG-ICBT and UG-ICBT. CBT, TG-ICBT, and UG-ICBT were all more effective than the psychological placebo, waiting list, and pill placebo. In terms of efficacy, CBT combined with drug therapy was better than CBT, TG-ICBT, and UG-ICBT. Sensitivity analyses supported these findings. Based on the current evidence, we recommend TG-ICBT when CBT is not available. However, it is undeniable that UG-ICBT also has the potential to be an effective alternative to CBT. More evidence is needed to support this possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxuan Zhang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Weili Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, PR China
| | - Hanyang Ruan
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jian Gao
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; Institute of Psychological and Behavioral Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Intelligent Psychological Evaluation and Intervention Engineering Technology Research Center, Shanghai, PR China.
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Alavi N, Moghimi E, Stephenson C, Gutierrez G, Jagayat J, Kumar A, Shao Y, Miller S, Yee CS, Stefatos A, Gholamzadehmir M, Abbaspour Z, Shirazi A, Gizzarelli T, Khan F, Patel C, Patel A, Yang M, Omrani M. Comparison of online and in-person cognitive behavioral therapy in individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a non-randomized controlled trial. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1113956. [PMID: 37187863 PMCID: PMC10175610 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1113956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The increased prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) amid the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in substantial growth in online mental health care delivery. Compared to its in-person counterpart, online cognitive behavioral therapy (e-CBT) is a time-flexible and cost-effective method of improving MDD symptoms. However, how its efficacy compares to in-person CBT is yet to be explored. Therefore, the current study compared the efficacy of a therapist-supported, electronically delivered e-CBT program to in-person therapy in individuals diagnosed with MDD. Methods Participants (n = 108) diagnosed with MDD selected either a 12 week in-person CBT or an asynchronous therapist-supported e-CBT program. E-CBT participants (n = 55) completed weekly interactive online modules delivered through a secure cloud-based online platform (Online Psychotherapy Tool; OPTT). These modules were followed by homework in which participants received personalized feedback from a trained therapist. Participants in the in-person CBT group (n = 53) discussed sessions and homework with their therapists during one-hour weekly meetings. Program efficacy was evaluated using clinically validated symptomatology and quality of life questionnaires. Results Both treatments yielded significant improvements in depressive symptoms and quality of life from baseline to post-treatment. Participants who opted for in-person therapy presented significantly higher baseline symptomatology scores than the e-CBT group. However, both treatments demonstrated comparable significant improvements in depressive symptoms and quality of life from baseline to post-treatment. e-CBT seems to afford higher participant compliance as dropouts in the e-CBT group completed more sessions on average than those in the in-person CBT group. Conclusion The findings support e-CBT with therapist guidance as a suitable option to treat MDD. Future studies should investigate how treatment accessibility is related to program completion rates in the e-CBT vs. in-person group. Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.Gov Protocol Registration and Results System (NCT04478058); clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04478058.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Alavi
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- OPTT Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Nazanin Alavi,
| | - Elnaz Moghimi
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Gilmar Gutierrez
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Jasleen Jagayat
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Anchan Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Yijia Shao
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shadé Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Caitlin S. Yee
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Anthi Stefatos
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Zara Abbaspour
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Tessa Gizzarelli
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Ferwa Khan
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Charmy Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Archana Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Megan Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Mohsen Omrani
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- OPTT Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada
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Strappini F, Socci V, Saliani AM, Grossi G, D’Ari G, Damato T, Pompili N, Alessandri G, Mancini F. The therapeutic alliance in cognitive-behavioral therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:951925. [PMID: 36147968 PMCID: PMC9488733 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.951925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The therapeutic alliance has been recognized as one of the most researched key elements of treatment across different therapeutic approaches and diagnostic domains. Despite its importance, our current understanding of its clinical relevance in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is still debated. This study aimed to examine empirical evidence on the effect of alliance on treatment outcomes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in patients with OCD in a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods Original peer-reviewed articles until March 2022 were included if they were (1) written in English; (2) included a clinical group with a current primary OCD diagnosis; (3) involved individual CBT; (4) used a validated therapeutic alliance scale that was related to the outcome measurement; (5) reported an effect size. Results Thirteen studies were included, six of which contained sufficient statistical information to be included in the meta-analysis. A total of 897 patients took part in all reviewed studies. We found a modest effect of alliance on post-treatment outcome [Tau 2 = -0.1562 (C.I. 95%: -0.2542 to -0.0582)]. Discussion The results show the existence of considerable variability and methodological inconsistencies across studies. We discuss the role of methodological factors that could account for this divergence, the research limitations, and the implications for current research. Systematic review registration [https://osf.io/dxez5/?view_only=bc2deaa7f0794c8dbef440255b2d4b3b].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valentina Socci
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Grossi
- Association School of Cognitive Psychotherapy (APC-SPC), Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia D’Ari
- Association School of Cognitive Psychotherapy (APC-SPC), Rome, Italy
| | - Titti Damato
- Association School of Cognitive Psychotherapy (APC-SPC), Rome, Italy
| | - Nicole Pompili
- Association School of Cognitive Psychotherapy (APC-SPC), Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Alessandri
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Mancini
- Association School of Cognitive Psychotherapy (APC-SPC), Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
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