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Cited by 46Psychotherapy Techniques and ApplicationsAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive ProcessesPsychological Treatments and Assessments

Cognitive bibliotherapy for mild depressive symptomatology: randomized clinical trial of efficacy and mechanisms of change

Moldovan, Ramona, Cobeanu, Oana, David, Daniel·2013·Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy
DOI 10.1002/cpp.1814
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Abstract

Background: It has been increasingly recognized that subthreshold depression is associated with considerable personal, social and economic costs. However, there is no accepted definition or clear‐cut treatment for subthreshold depression. Cognitive bibliotherapy is a promising approach, but further research is necessary in order to assess its clinical efficacy and key mechanisms of change. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of bibliotherapy for subthreshold depression and test whether maladaptive cognitions mediate the effects of bibliotherapy on depressive symptoms. Method: A total of 96 young adults with subthreshold depression were randomized in one of the following treatment conditions: immediate treatment, delayed treatment, placebo and no treatment. The main outcome was represented by depressive symptoms assessed before, during and immediately after the treatment, as well as at 3‐month follow‐up. Automatic thoughts, dysfunctional attitudes and irrational beliefs were also assessed throughout the study, and we investigated their involvement as mediators of bibliotherapy effects on depressive symptoms. Results: The results indicated that cognitive bibliotherapy resulted in statistically and clinically significant changes both in depressive symptoms and cognitions, which were maintained at follow‐up. In contrast, placebo was only associated with a temporary decrease in depressive symptoms, without significant cognitive changes. No changes in symptoms or cognitions were found in the delayed treatment and no treatment groups. We also found that automatic thoughts significantly mediated the effect of bibliotherapy on depressive symptoms. Conclusion: This study provided compelling evidence for the efficacy of cognitive bibliotherapy in subthreshold depression and showed that changes in automatic thoughts mediated the effect of bibliotherapy on depressive symptoms. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Message: Cognitive bibliotherapy is an effective treatment of subthreshold depression. Changing automatic thoughts is important, as they mediate the bibliotherapy effect on depressive symptoms. Cognitive bibliotherapy is a potential alternative or adjunct to psychotherapy for mildly depressed adults.

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Crossref · 10.1002/cpp.1814

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  • Self-help bibliotherapy produces significant effects on various mental health and well-being outcomes across different age groups.

    “Research has well established that self-help bibliotherapy produces significant effects on various mental health and well-being outcomes across different age groups (25, 26).”

    From Recent developments in bibliotherapy for adolescent depression (2025) · cites this paper as [25]

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Research works printed but not linked: 10

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  7. Lambert M.J., 2003, Garfield and Bergin's handbook of psychotherapy and behavior change: An empirical analysis
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  9. National Institute for Clinical Excellence, 2009, National Clinical Practice Guideline, Depression: The treatment and management of depression in adults
  10. 10.1002/jclp.20487 · DOI

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Authors
Moldovan, R., Cobeanu, O., & David, D.
Affiliations
Babeș-Bolyai University (RO)
Corresponding author
Moldovan, Ramona
ORCID
Venue
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2012-09-02
Volume
20
Issue
6
Pages
482-493
ISSN
  • 1063-3995 (ISSN-L)
  • 1099-0879
DOI
10.1002/cpp.1814
OpenAlex
W2154472602
Semantic Scholar
5ce4cfafefaaba9332bac5aa803c4c25e5569419
Cited by
46
References
81
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 4 · 2014: 3 · 2013: 1
FWCI
1.45
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Research Explorer (The University of Manchester) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychological Treatments and Assessments
Keywords
subthreshold depression, mild depressive symptoms, automatic thoughts, dysfunctional attitudes, irrational beliefs, mechanisms of change, mediation, young adults, treatment delay, placebo effect
MeSH terms
Adult, Bibliotherapy, Depression, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Male, Time Factors, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Treatment Outcome, Young Adult

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