Why is self-help neglected in the treatment of emotional disorders? A meta-analysis

DEN BOER, P. C. A. M.; WIERSMA, D.; VAN DEN BOSCH, R. J.

doi:10.1017/s003329170300179x

Cited by 220Digital Mental Health InterventionsAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive ProcessesMental Health Treatment and Access

Why is self-help neglected in the treatment of emotional disorders? A meta-analysis

DEN BOER, P. C. A. M., WIERSMA, D., VAN DEN BOSCH, R. J.·2004·Psychological Medicine

DOI 10.1017/s003329170300179x

Open this paper in CoChat — free account

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although the burden of emotional disorders is very high, mental health care is only available to a minority of patients. The literature suggests that self-help strategies, both bibliotherapy and self-help groups alike, are effective for various, less serious complaints but it is unclear whether available data support a role for self-help in treatment protocols for patients with clinically significant emotional disorders. METHOD: We searched the literature with a focus on 'anxiety' and/or 'depressive disorder'. Standardized assessment of diagnosis or symptoms and randomized controlled trials were inclusion criteria for a meta-analysis. RESULTS: The mean effect size of self-help (mainly bibliotherapy) v. control conditions is 0.84, and 0.76 for follow-up; the effect sizes of self-help v. treatment are -0.03 and -0.07 respectively. A longer treatment period is more effective. CONCLUSIONS: Bibliotherapy for clinically significant emotional disorders is more effective than waiting list or no treatment conditions. The dearth of studies on self-help groups for emotional disorders does not permit an evidence-based conclusion concerning the effects of self-help groups. No difference was found between bibliotherapy and psychiatric treatment of relatively short duration.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1017/s003329170300179x

Cites

14 of 14 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Recomputing p-values needs the paper’s full text.

Claims the paper makes

This paper’s full text isn’t openly available, so its claims and self-check weren’t run. The registry and citation checks still apply.

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Evidence for bibliotherapy is promising.
“Evidence for bibliotherapy is also promising 6 .”
From Self‐Help Plus ( <scp>SH</scp> +): a new <scp>WHO</scp> stress management package (2016) · cites this paper as [6]
Print materials can be effective in improving behaviors and outcomes related to walking and other physical activities, alcohol problems, and emotional disorders.
“Indeed, studies have found print materials to be effective in improving behaviors and outcomes related to walking and other physical activities [16,17], alcohol problems [18], and emotional disorders [19].”
From A field test of a web-based workplace health promotion program to improve dietary practices, reduce stress, and increase physical activity: randomized controlled trial. (2007) · cites this paper as [19]
The effectiveness of print materials for changing health behaviors and outcomes is supported in the literature.
“As noted earlier, the effectiveness of print materials for changing health behaviors and outcomes is supported in the literature [16-19].”
From A field test of a web-based workplace health promotion program to improve dietary practices, reduce stress, and increase physical activity: randomized controlled trial. (2007) · cites this paper as [19]

A psychophysiological analysis of fear modification using an automated desensitization procedure
Lang, P. J., Melamed, B. G., & Hart, J. (1970) · Journal of Abnormal Psychology · doi:10.1037/h0029875 · Cited by 463 · see citing works
Outcome of cognitive-behavioral and support group brief therapies for depressed, HIV-infected persons
Kelly, J. A., Murphy, D. A., Bahr, G. R., Kalichman, S. C., Morgan, M., Stevenson, L., Koob, J. J., Brasfield, T. L., & Bernstein, B. (1993) · American Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1176/ajp.150.11.1679 · Cited by 282 · see citing works
Memory-Skills Training, Memory Complaints, and Depression in Older Adults
Scogin, F. R., Storandt, M., & Lott, L. (1985) · Journal of Gerontology · doi:10.1093/geronj/40.5.562 · Cited by 121 · see citing works
Amount of therapist contact and outcome in a multidimensional depression treatment program
Schmidt, M. M., & Miller, W. R. (1983) · Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica · doi:10.1111/j.1600-0447.1983.tb00349.x · Cited by 74 · see citing works
Long-Term Outcome of Cognitive Therapy's Contribution to Self-Exposure in Vivo to the Treatment of Generalized Social Phobia
Salaberria, K., & Echeburua, E. (1998) · Behavior Modification · doi:10.1177/01454455980223003 · Cited by 68 · see citing works
Effect of social skills training groups and social skills bibliotherapy with psychiatric patients.
Monti, P. M., Fink, E. B., Norman, W. H., Curran, J., Hayes, S. C., & Caldwell, A. (1979) · Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-006x.47.1.189 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
Cost-effectiveness of substance disorder interventions for people with severe mental illness
Jerrell, J. M., Hu, T.-W., & Ridgely, M. S. (1994) · The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research · doi:10.1007/bf02521335 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Effects of a program in rational thinking on anxieties in older persons.
Keller, J. F., Croake, J. W., & Brooking, J. Y. (1975) · Journal of Counseling Psychology · doi:10.1037/h0076144 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
Effects of Pretreatment with Rational Emotive Bibliotherapy and Rational Emotive Audiotherapy on Clients Waiting at Community Mental Health Center
Kassinove, H., Miller, N., & Kalin, M. (1980) · Psychological Reports · doi:10.2466/pr0.1980.46.3.851 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
Self‐Help Epilepsy Groups: An Evaluation of Effect on Depression and Schizophrenia
Becu, M., Becu, N., Manzur, G. B., & Kochen, S. S. (1993) · Epilepsia · doi:10.1111/j.1528-1157.1993.tb02100.x · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Diagnostic anomalies in social phobia
Tyrer, P. J. (1996) · International Clinical Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1097/00004850-199606003-00006 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Verhaltenstherapeutische Kurzzeit- Gruppentherapie zur Versorgung von Patienten mit Angststörungen in der primärärztlichen Praxis
Schulze, M., Osen, B., & Hand, I. (2009) · Verhaltenstherapie · doi:10.1159/000259003 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Treatment outcomes with adult children of alcoholics: depression.
Kuhns, M. L. (1997) · PubMed · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Collaborative Management to Achieve Treatment Guidelines: Impact on Depression in Primary Care
Katon, W. (1995) · JAMA · doi:10.1001/jama.1995.03520370068039 · Cited by 6 · see citing works

Flagged first, then by citations

Sorted by citations

Positive psychology interventions: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies
Bolier, L., Haverman, M., Westerhof, G. J., Riper, H., Smit, F., & Bohlmeijer, E. (2013) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/1471-2458-13-119 · Cited by 1,996 · see citing works
“From a public health perspective, self-help interventions can serve as cost-effective mental health promotion tools to reach large target groups which may not otherwise be reached [86-88].”
Evidence-based guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of anxiety disorders: recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology
Baldwin, D. S., Anderson, I. M., Nutt, D. J., Bandelow, B., Bond, A., Davidson, J. R. T., den Boer, J. A., Fineberg, N. A., Knapp, M., Scott, J., et al. (2005) · Journal of Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1177/0269881105059253 · Cited by 617 · see citing works
Efficacy of peer support interventions for depression: a meta-analysis
Pfeiffer, P. N., Heisler, M., Piette, J. D., Rogers, M. A. M., & Valenstein, M. (2011) · General Hospital Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2010.10.002 · Cited by 484 · see citing works
Perceived Barriers to Mental Health Service Utilization in the United States, Ontario, and the Netherlands
Sareen, J., Jagdeo, A., Cox, B. J., Clara, I., ten Have, M., Belik, S.-L., de Graaf, R., & Stein, M. B. (2007) · Psychiatric Services · doi:10.1176/ps.2007.58.3.357 · Cited by 470 · see citing works
What makes self-help interventions effective in the management of depressive symptoms? Meta-analysis and meta-regression
GELLATLY, J., BOWER, P., HENNESSY, S., RICHARDS, D., GILBODY, S., & LOVELL, K. (2007) · Psychological Medicine · doi:10.1017/s0033291707000062 · Cited by 419 · see citing works
A fully automated conversational agent for promoting mental well-being: a pilot RCT using mixed methods
Ly, K. H., Ly, A.-M., & Andersson, G. (2017) · Internet Interventions · doi:10.1016/j.invent.2017.10.002 · Cited by 368 · see citing works
Current and Future Trends in Internet-Supported Mental Health Interventions
Barak, A., & Grohol, J. M. (2011) · Journal of Technology in Human Services · doi:10.1080/15228835.2011.616939 · Cited by 373 · see citing works
Effectiveness of a Web-Based Self-Help Intervention for Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress: Randomized Controlled Trial
van Straten, A., Cuijpers, P., & Smits, N. (2008) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/jmir.954 · Cited by 297 · see citing works
Data Extraction Errors in Meta-analyses That Use Standardized Mean Differences
Gøtzsche, P. C., Hróbjartsson, A., Marić, K., & Tendal, B. (2007) · JAMA · doi:10.1001/jama.298.4.430 · Cited by 238 · see citing works
Internet administered guided self-help versus individualized e-mail therapy: A randomized trial of two versions of CBT for major depression
Vernmark, K., Lenndin, J., Bjärehed, J., Carlsson, M., Karlsson, J., Öberg, J., Carlbring, P., Eriksson, T., & Andersson, G. (2010) · Behaviour Research and Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.brat.2010.01.005 · Cited by 226 · see citing works
Review of randomised controlled trials of Internet interventions for mental disorders and related conditions
Griffiths, K. M., & Christensen, H. (2006) · Clinical Psychologist · doi:10.1080/13284200500378696 · Cited by 210 · see citing works
COPD education and cognitive behavioral therapy group treatment for clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety in COPD patients: a randomized controlled trial
Kunik, M. E., Veazey, C., Cully, J. A., Souchek, J., Graham, D. P., Hopko, D., Carter, R., Sharafkhaneh, A., Goepfert, E. J., Wray, N., et al. (2008) · Psychological Medicine · doi:10.1017/s0033291707001687 · Cited by 214 · see citing works
Internet-based interventions for traumatic stress-related mental health problems: A review and suggestion for future research
Amstadter, A. B., Broman-Fulks, J., Zinzow, H., Ruggiero, K. J., & Cercone, J. (2009) · Clinical Psychology Review · doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2009.04.001 · Cited by 189 · see citing works
Psychotherapy mediated by remote communication technologies: a meta-analytic review
Bee, P. E., Bower, P., Lovell, K., Gilbody, S., Richards, D., Gask, L., & Roach, P. (2008) · BMC Psychiatry · doi:10.1186/1471-244x-8-60 · Cited by 189 · see citing works
Mutual Help Groups for Mental Health Problems: A Review of Effectiveness Studies
Pistrang, N., Barker, C., & Humphreys, K. N. (2008) · American Journal of Community Psychology · doi:10.1007/s10464-008-9181-0 · Cited by 190 · see citing works
Efficacy, cost-effectiveness and acceptability of self-help interventions for anxiety disorders: systematic review
Lewis, C., Pearce, J., & Bisson, J. I. (2012) · British Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.110.084756 · Cited by 189 · see citing works
Self-help therapy for insomnia: a meta-analysis
van Straten, A., & Cuijpers, P. (2009) · Sleep Medicine Reviews · doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2008.04.006 · Cited by 185 · see citing works
A field test of a web-based workplace health promotion program to improve dietary practices, reduce stress, and increase physical activity: randomized controlled trial.
Cook, R. F., Billings, D. W., Hersch, R. K., Back, A. S., & Hendrickson, A. (2007) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/jmir.9.2.e17 · Cited by 170 · see citing works
“Indeed, studies have found print materials to be effective in improving behaviors and outcomes related to walking and other physical activities [16,17], alcohol problems [18], and emotional disorders [19].”
Background
Benefits of Peer Support in Online Japanese Breast Cancer Communities: Differences Between Lurkers and Posters
Setoyama, Y., Yamazaki, Y., & Namayama, K. (2011) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/jmir.1696 · Cited by 177 · see citing works
An internet-based self-help treatment for fear of public speaking: a controlled trial.
Botella, C., Gallego, M. J., Garcia-Palacios, A., Guillen, V., Baños, R. M., Quero, S., & Alcañiz, M. (2010) · Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking · doi:10.1089/cyber.2009.0224 · Cited by 169 · see citing works
Telephone administered cognitive behaviour therapy for treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder: randomised controlled non-inferiority trial
Lovell, K., Cox, D., Haddock, G., Jones, C., Raines, D., Garvey, R., Roberts, C., & Hadley, S. (2006) · BMJ · doi:10.1136/bmj.38940.355602.80 · Cited by 162 · see citing works
Self-help and internet-guided interventions in depression and anxiety disorders: a systematic review of meta-analyses
Hof, E. V., Cuijpers, P., & Stein, D. J. (2009) · CNS Spectrums · doi:10.1017/s1092852900027279 · Cited by 156 · see citing works
Self‐Help Plus ( <scp>SH</scp> +): a new <scp>WHO</scp> stress management package
Epping‐Jordan, J. E., Harris, R., Brown, F. L., Carswell, K., Foley, C., García‐Moreno, C., Kogan, C., & van Ommeren, M. (2016) · World Psychiatry · doi:10.1002/wps.20355 · Cited by 151 · see citing works
Self-help interventions for anxiety disorders: An overview
Cuijpers, P., & Schuurmans, J. (2007) · Current Psychiatry Reports · doi:10.1007/s11920-007-0034-6 · Cited by 161 · see citing works
Meditation with yoga, group therapy with hypnosis, and psychoeducation for long‐term depressed mood: a randomized pilot trial
Butler, L. D., Waelde, L. C., Hastings, T. A., Chen, X., SYMONS, B. J., Marshall, J., Kaufman, A., Nagy, T. F., Blasey, C. M., Seibert, E. O., et al. (2008) · Journal of Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1002/jclp.20496 · Cited by 151 · see citing works
Reasons and determinants for not receiving treatment for common mental disorders
van Beljouw, I., Verhaak, P., Prins, M., Cuijpers, P., Penninx, B., & Bensing, J. (2010) · Psychiatric Services · doi:10.1176/ps.2010.61.3.250 · Cited by 143 · see citing works
Self-help with minimal therapist contact for obsessive–compulsive disorder: a review
Mataix‐Cols, D., & Marks, I. M. (2005) · European Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2005.07.003 · Cited by 146 · see citing works
The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Bibliotherapy for Enhancing the Psychological Health of Japanese College Students Living Abroad
Muto, T., Hayes, S. C., & Jeffcoat, T. (2011) · Behavior Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.beth.2010.08.009 · Cited by 144 · see citing works
The development of evidence-based European guidelines on the management of depression in palliative cancer care
Rayner, L., Price, A. C., Hotopf, M. H., & Higginson, I. J. (2011) · European Journal of Cancer · doi:10.1016/j.ejca.2010.11.027 · Cited by 132 · see citing works
GROUP COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL THERAPY AND BIBLIOTHERAPY FOR HOARDING: A PILOT TRIAL
Muroff, J. R., Steketee, G. S., Bratiotis, C., & Ross, A. M. (2012) · Depression and Anxiety · doi:10.1002/da.21923 · Cited by 127 · see citing works
The clinical effectiveness of CBT-based guided self-help interventions for anxiety and depressive disorders: a systematic review
Coull, G., & Morris, P. G. (2011) · Psychological Medicine · doi:10.1017/s0033291711000900 · Cited by 126 · see citing works
Remote treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: A randomized controlled trial
Wootton, B. M., Dear, B. F., Johnston, L., Terides, M. D., & Titov, N. (2013) · Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.jocrd.2013.07.002 · Cited by 125 · see citing works
Status of computerized cognitive behavioural therapy for adults
Titov, N. (2007) · Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1080/00048670601109873 · Cited by 120 · see citing works
Development of a new approach to guided self-help via the internet: the Swedish experience
Andersson, G., Bergström, J., Buhrman, M., Carlbring, P., Holländare, F., Kaldo, V., Nilsson-Ihrfelt, E., Paxling, B., Ström, L., & Waara, J. (2008) · Journal of Technology in Human Services · doi:10.1080/15228830802094627 · Cited by 114 · see citing works
Media-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy and behavioural therapy (self-help) for anxiety disorders in adults
Mayo-Wilson, E., & Montgomery, P. (2013) · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1002/14651858.cd005330.pub4 · Cited by 112 · see citing works
Effects of a Peer-Run Course on Recovery From Serious Mental Illness: A Randomized Controlled Trial
van Gestel-Timmermans, H., Brouwers, E. P. M., van Assen, M. A. L. M., & van Nieuwenhuizen, C. (2012) · Psychiatric Services · doi:10.1176/appi.ps.201000450 · Cited by 116 · see citing works
Evaluation of Booklet-Based Self-Management of Symptoms in Ménière Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Yardley, L., & Kirby, S. E. (2006) · Psychosomatic Medicine · doi:10.1097/01.psy.0000232269.17906.92 · Cited by 112 · see citing works
Do self-help books help?
Bergsma, A. (2008) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-006-9041-2 · Cited by 54 · see citing works
Compassion-focused therapy as guided self-help for enhancing public mental health: A randomized controlled trial.
Sommers‐Spijkerman, M., Trompetter, H. R., Schreurs, K. M. G., & Bohlmeijer, E. T. (2017) · Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1037/ccp0000268 · Cited by 110 · see citing works
A randomized trial of ACT bibliotherapy on the mental health of K-12 teachers and staff
Jeffcoat, T., & Hayes, S. C. (2012) · Behaviour Research and Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.brat.2012.05.008 · Cited by 107 · see citing works
Characteristics of effective psychological treatments of depression: a metaregression analysis
Cuijpers, P. J., van Straten, A., Warmerdam, L., & Smits, N. (2008) · Psychotherapy Research · doi:10.1080/10503300701442027 · Cited by 106 · see citing works
A new mental health mobile app for well-being and stress reduction in working women: randomized controlled trial
Coelhoso, C. C., Tobo, P. R., Lacerda, S. S., Lima, A. H., Barrichello, C. R. C., Amaro Jr, E., & Kozasa, E. H. (2019) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/14269 · Cited by 95 · see citing works
Effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy in primary health care: a review.
Høifødt, R., Strøm, C., Kolstrup, N., Eisemann, M., & Waterloo, K. (2011) · Family Practice · doi:10.1093/fampra/cmr017 · Cited by 101 · see citing works
Internet-based intervention for mental health and substance use problems in disaster-affected populations: a pilot feasibility study.
Ruggiero, K., Resnick, H. S., Acierno, R., Coffey, S., Carpenter, M., Ruscio, A., Stephens, R., Kilpatrick, D., Stasiewicz, P., Roffman, R., et al. (2006) · The Behavior Therapist · doi:10.1016/j.beth.2005.12.001 · Cited by 101 · see citing works
The effectiveness of a biblio-based support group for hoarding disorder
Frost, R. O., Pekareva-Kochergina, A., & Maxner, S. (2011) · Behaviour Research and Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.brat.2011.06.010 · Cited by 98 · see citing works
Use of a self-help book with weekly therapist contact to reduce tinnitus distress: A randomized controlled trial
Kaldo, V., Cars, S., Rahnert, M., Larsen, H. C., & Andersson, G. (2007) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2007.04.007 · Cited by 97 · see citing works
Expanding the Limits of Bibliotherapy for Panic Disorder: Randomized Trial of Self-Help Without Support but With a Clear Deadline
Nordin, S., Carlbring, P., Cuijpers, P. J., & Andersson, G. (2010) · Behavior Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.beth.2009.06.001 · Cited by 92 · see citing works
Perceived Need for Mental Health Treatment in a Nationally Representative Canadian Sample
Sareen, J., Cox, B. J., Afifi, T. O., Clara, I. P., & Yu, B. N. (2005) · The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1177/070674370505001011 · Cited by 92 · see citing works
Welcoming the Other: Actualising the humanistic ethic at the core of counselling psychology practice
Cooper, M. (2009) · Counselling Psychology Review · doi:10.53841/bpscpr.2009.24.3-4.119 · Cited by 89 · see citing works
Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder)
Andersson, G., & Carlbring, P. (2010) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-6510-3_6 · Cited by 79 · see citing works
Online self-guided interventions for the treatment of problem gambling
Gainsbury, S. M., & Blaszczynski, A. (2011) · International Gambling Studies · doi:10.1080/14459795.2011.617764 · Cited by 75 · see citing works
Translation, adaptation, and pilot of a guided self-help intervention to reduce psychological distress in South Sudanese refugees in Uganda
Tol, W. A., Augustinavicius, J., Carswell, K., Brown, F. L., Adaku, A., Leku, M. R., García-Moreno, C., Ventevogel, P., White, R. G., & van Ommeren, M. (2018) · Global Mental Health · doi:10.1017/gmh.2018.14 · Cited by 69 · see citing works
“…multi-media, self-help format was selected informed by various meta-analyses: (1) research has shown promising findings for bibliotherapy (den Boer et al., 2004) and group psychosocial interventions formatted as courses (Cuijpers et al., 2009); (2) guided self-help approaches have similar…”
Method
An open study of the effectiveness of Internet treatment for panic disorder delivered in a psychiatric setting
Bergström, J., Andersson, G., Karlsson, A., Andréewitch, S., Rück, C., Carlbring, P., & Lindefors, N. (2008) · Nordic Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1080/08039480802191132 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Bibliotherapy: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial
Hazlett‐Stevens, H., & Oren, Y. (2017) · Journal of Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1002/jclp.22370 · Cited by 60 · see citing works
Bibliotherapy for mental health service users Part 1: a systematic review
Fanner, D., & Urquhart, C. (2008) · Health Information & Libraries Journal · doi:10.1111/j.1471-1842.2008.00821.x · Cited by 79 · see citing works
Paraprofessionals for anxiety and depressive disorders
BOER, P. C. A. M. D., Wiersma, D., Russo, S., & van den Bosch, R. J. (2005) · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1002/14651858.cd004688.pub2 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
Self-citation
Bibliotherapy and information prescriptions: a summary of the published evidence‐base and recommendations from past and ongoing Books on Prescription projects
Chamberlain, D., HEAPS, D., & ROBERT, I. (2008) · Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2850.2007.01201.x · Cited by 56 · see citing works
The self-management of longer-term depression: learning from the patient, a qualitative study
Chambers, E., Cook, S., Thake, A., Foster, A., Shaw, S., Hutten, R., Parry, G. D., & Ricketts, T. (2015) · BMC Psychiatry · doi:10.1186/s12888-015-0550-6 · Cited by 54 · see citing works
Stepped Care and e-Health
Draper, C., & O’Donohue, W. (2010) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-6510-3 · Cited by 54 · see citing works
Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies for Depression: Overview, New Directions, and Practical Recommendations for Dissemination
Feldman, G. C. (2007) · Psychiatric Clinics of North America · doi:10.1016/j.psc.2006.12.001 · Cited by 54 · see citing works
The effectiveness of problem solving therapy in deprived South African communities: results from a pilot study
Hof, E. V., Stein, D. J., Marks, I. M., Tomlinson, M., & Cuijpers, P. J. (2011) · BMC Psychiatry · doi:10.1186/1471-244x-11-156 · Cited by 54 · see citing works
Effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Ma, R., Yin, Y., Wang, Y., Liu, X., & Xie, J. (2019) · Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice · doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.101071 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
A self-help behavioral activation treatment for geriatric depressive symptoms
Moss, K., Scogin, F., Di Napoli, E., & Presnell, A. (2012) · Aging & Mental Health · doi:10.1080/13607863.2011.651435 · Cited by 51 · see citing works
A Brief Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Intervention as a Population-Level Strategy for Anxiety and Depression
Burgess, E. E., Selchen, S., Diplock, B. D., & Rector, N. A. (2021) · International Journal of Cognitive Therapy · doi:10.1007/s41811-021-00105-x · Cited by 50 · see citing works
Integrating self-help into psychotherapy: 16 practical suggestions.
Norcross, J. C. (2006) · Professional Psychology: Research and Practice · doi:10.1037/0735-7028.37.6.683 · Cited by 66 · see citing works
Popular self-help books for anxiety, depression, and trauma: How scientifically grounded and useful are they?
Redding, R. E., Herbert, J. D., Forman, E. M., & Gaudiano, B. A. (2008) · Professional Psychology Research and Practice · doi:10.1037/0735-7028.39.5.537 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
A Qualitative Study of Patients' Perceptions of a ‘Minimal’ Psychological Therapy
Macdonald, W., Mead, N., Bower, P., Richards, D., & Lovell, K. (2007) · International Journal of Social Psychiatry · doi:10.1177/0020764006066841 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
Internet–based cognitive–behavioral self help for depression
Andersson, G. (2006) · Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics · doi:10.1586/14737175.6.11.1637 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
Supported Self-Management: A Simple, Effective Way to Improve Depression Care
Bilsker, D., Goldner, E. M., & Anderson, E. (2012) · The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1177/070674371205700402 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Self-Help Plus (SH+) for preventing mental disorders in refugees and asylum seekers in Europe and Turkey: study protocols for two randomised controlled trials
Purgato, M., Carswell, K., Acartürk, C., Au, T. M., Akbai, S., Anttila, M., Baumgartner, J. S., Bailey, D., Biondi, M., Bird, M., et al. (2019) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030259 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
Help from home for depression: A randomised controlled trial comparing internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy with bibliotherapy for depression
Smith, J., Newby, J. M., Burston, N., Murphy, M. J., Michael, S., Mackenzie, A., Kiln, F., Loughnan, S. A., O'Moore, K. A., Allard, B. J., et al. (2017) · Internet Interventions · doi:10.1016/j.invent.2017.05.001 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
The current status and future direction of self-help treatments for problem gamblers.
Raylu, N., Oei, T., & Loo, J. (2008) · Clinical Psychology Review · doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2008.07.005 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
Effectiveness of self-guided virtual reality–based cognitive behavioral therapy for panic disorder: randomized controlled trial
Shin, B., Oh, J., Kim, B.-H., Kim, H. E., Kim, H., Kim, S., & Kim, J.-J. (2021) · JMIR Mental Health · doi:10.2196/30590 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Patients’ and providers’ perspectives on bibliotherapy in primary care
McKenna, G., Hevey, D., & Martin, E. (2010) · Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy · doi:10.1002/cpp.679 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
Efficacy of self-administered treatments for pathological academic worry: a randomized controlled trial
Wolitzky-Taylor, K. B., & Telch, M. J. (2010) · Behaviour Research and Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.brat.2010.03.019 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
How Effective Is Bibliotherapy for Very Old Adults With Subthreshold Depression? A Randomized Controlled Trial
Joling, K. J., van Hout, H. P. J., van't Veer-Tazelaar, P. J., van der Horst, H. E., Cuijpers, P., van de Ven, P. M., & van Marwijk, H. W. J. (2011) · The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry · doi:10.1097/jgp.0b013e3181ec8859 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
The Effect of Fiction on the Well-Being of Older Adults: A Longitudinal RCT Intervention Study Using Audiobooks
Poerio, G. L., & Totterdell, P. (2019) · Psychosocial Intervention · doi:10.5093/pi2019a16 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
Efficacy of Self-Administered Treatments for Depression and Anxiety
Menchola, M., Arkowitz, H., & Burke, B. L. (2007) · Professional Psychology Research and Practice · doi:10.1037/0735-7028.38.4.421 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
Randomized Controlled Trial of an Internet-Based Intervention Using Random-Digit-Dial Recruitment: The Disaster Recovery Web Project
Ruggiero, K., Resnick, H. S., Paul, L., Gros, K., McCauley, J. L., Acierno, R., Morgan, M., & Galea, S. (2011) · Contemporary Clinical Trials · doi:10.1016/j.cct.2011.10.001 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
Determinants and patterns of service utilization and recourse to professionals for mental health reasons
Fleury, M., Grenier, G., Bamvita, J., & Caron, J. (2014) · BMC Health Services Research · doi:10.1186/1472-6963-14-161 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Self-Help Interventions for Psychosis: A Meta-Analysis
Scott, A. J., Webb, T. L., & Rowse, G. (2015) · Clinical Psychology Review · doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2015.05.002 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Web-Based Parent-Training for Parents of Youth With Impairment From Anxiety
Khanna, M. S., Carper, M. M., Harris, M. S. H., & Kendall, P. C. (2017) · Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health · doi:10.1080/23794925.2017.1283548 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Problem solving styles among people who use alcohol and other drugs in South Africa
Sorsdahl, K. R., Stein, D. J., Carrara, H., & MYERS, B. J. (2013) · Addictive Behaviors · doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2013.09.011 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Evaluating the Effectiveness of ACT for Anxiety Disorders in a Self-Help Context: Outcomes From a Randomized Wait-List Controlled Trial.
Ritzert, T. R., Forsyth, J. P., Sheppard, S. C., Boswell, J. F., Berghoff, C. R., & Eifert, G. H. (2016) · Behavior Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.beth.2016.03.001 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Enhancing psychosocial care for people with cancer in rural communities: what can remote counselling offer?
Shepherd, L., Goldstein, D., Olver, I., & PARLE, M. D. (2008) · Australian Health Review · doi:10.1071/ah080423 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Cost‐effectiveness of cognitive self‐therapy in patients with depression and anxiety disorders
Stant, A. D., Vergert, E. M. T., BOER, P. C. A. M. D., & Wiersma, D. (2007) · Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica · doi:10.1111/j.1600-0447.2007.01122.x · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Self-citation
Wartezeit für Psychotherapiepatienten – und wie sie zu nutzen ist
Hähnel, A., Weigel, B., Hoyer, J., & Helbig, S. (2004) · Verhaltenstherapie · doi:10.1159/000082839 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
Internet interventions: Moving from efficacy to effectiveness
Andersson, G., Carlbring, P., & Cuijpers, P. J. (2010) · E-Journal of Applied Psychology · doi:10.7790/ejap.v5i2.169 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
Telephone-supported acceptance and commitment bibliotherapy for people with multiple sclerosis and psychological distress: A pilot randomised controlled trial
Proctor, B. J., Moghaddam, N. G., Evangelou, N., & das Nair, R. (2018) · Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science · doi:10.1016/j.jcbs.2018.07.006 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
Evidence-Based Psychosocial Practices and Recovery from Schizophrenia
Shean, G. D. (2009) · Psychiatry · doi:10.1521/psyc.2009.72.4.307 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
Good practice guidance on the use of self-help materials within IAPT services
Baguley, C., Farrand, P. A., Hope, R., Leibowitz, J., Lovell, K., Lucock, M. P., O’Neill, C., Paxton, R., Pilling, S., Richards, D. A., et al. (2010) · University of Huddersfield Repository (University of Huddersfield) · Cited by 25 · see citing works
Making sense of mental health difficulties through live reading: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experience of being in a Reader Group
Gray, E., Kiemle, G., Davis, P., & Billington, J. (2016) · Arts & Health · doi:10.1080/17533015.2015.1121883 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
Mental Health Self-Help
Brown, L. D., & Wituk, S. (2010) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-6253-9 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Optimising treatment resources for OCD: A review of the evidence base for technology-enhanced delivery
Lovell, K., & Bee, P. (2011) · Journal of Mental Health · doi:10.3109/09638237.2011.608745 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
The cost-utility of stepped-care algorithms according to depression guideline recommendations – Results of a state-transition model analysis
Meeuwissen, J. A. C., Feenstra, T., Smit, F., Blankers, M., Spijker, J., Bockting, C., van Balkom, A. J. L. M., & Buskens, E. (2018) · Journal of Affective Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.jad.2018.08.024 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
GAMBLINGLESS: for LIFE study protocol: a pragmatic randomised trial of an online cognitive-behavioural programme for disordered gambling
Merkouris, S. S., Rodda, S. N., Austin, D., Lubman, D. I., Harvey, P., Battersby, M., Cunningham, J., Lavis, T., Smith, D., & Dowling, N. A. (2017) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014226 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Mamma Mia – A randomized controlled trial of an internet intervention to enhance subjective well-being in perinatal women
Haga, S. M., Kinser, P. A., Wentzel‐Larsen, T., Lisøy, C., Garthus‐Niegel, S., Slinning, K., & Drozd, F. (2020) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760.2020.1738535 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
A task-sharing intervention for prepartum common mental disorders: Feasibility, acceptability and responses in a South African sample
Spedding, M. F., Stein, D. J., Naledi, T., MYERS, B. J., Cuijpers, P. J., & Sorsdahl, K. R. (2020) · African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine · doi:10.4102/phcfm.v12i1.2378 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
Moving From Efficacy to Effectiveness
Saunders, J. M., Robbins, M. W., & Ober, A. J. (2017) · Criminology & Public Policy · doi:10.1111/1745-9133.12316 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
A pragmatic randomized controlled trial of a guided self-help intervention versus a waiting list control in a routine primary care mental health service.
Lucock, M., Kirby, R., & Wainwright, N. (2011) · British Journal of Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1348/014466510x520231 · Cited by 23 · see citing works

Review: self-help interventions improve anxiety and mood disorders
Nelson, G. B., & Loomis, C. (2005) · Evidence-Based Mental Health · doi:10.1136/ebmh.8.2.44 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Self‐Help/Bibliotherapy
Nowakowski, M. E., Atkey, S. K., & Antony, M. M. (2015) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781118625392.wbecp471 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Self-help and internet-guided interventions in depression and anxiety disorders: a systematic review of meta-analyses
Hof, E. V., Cuijpers, P., & Stein, D. J. (2009) · CNS Spectrums · doi:10.1017/s1092852900027279 · Cited by 156 · see citing works
Self-help treatment of anxiety disorders: A meta-analysis and meta-regression of effects and potential moderators
Haug, T., Nordgreen, T., Öst, L. G., & Havik, O. E. (2012) · Clinical Psychology Review · doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2012.04.002 · Cited by 128 · see citing works
Efficacy, cost-effectiveness and acceptability of self-help interventions for anxiety disorders: systematic review
Lewis, C., Pearce, J., & Bisson, J. I. (2012) · British Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.110.084756 · Cited by 189 · see citing works

Authors: DEN BOER, P. C. A. M., WIERSMA, D., & VAN DEN BOSCH, R. J.
Affiliations: University Medical Center Groningen (NL)
Venue: Psychological Medicine
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Published: 2004-08
Volume: 34
Issue: 6
Pages: 959-971
ISSN: 0033-2917 (ISSN-L)
1469-8978
DOI: 10.1017/s003329170300179x
OpenAlex: W2149709319
Cited by: 220
References: 14
Citations by year: 2026: 1 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 12 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 9 · 2013: 12 · 2012: 12
FWCI: 21.38
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: www.cambridge.org/core/terms (unspecified, 12 d)
Locations: Psychological Medicine (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
University of Groningen research database (University of Groningen / Centre for Information Technology) (submittedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Mental Health Treatment and Access
Keywords: self-help, bibliotherapy, self-help groups, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, emotional disorders, treatment effectiveness, waiting list comparison, psychiatric treatment, treatment duration
MeSH terms: Anxiety Disorders, Bibliotherapy, Depressive Disorder, Humans, Self-Help Groups, Treatment Outcome

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review

Why is self-help neglected in the treatment of emotional disorders? A meta-analysis

Abstract

Integrity signals

Claims the paper makes

Claims other papers make about this one

Cites

Cited by

Related

Record

About these checks