Cited by 174Psychotherapy Techniques and ApplicationsAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive ProcessesPsychological Treatments and Assessments

Is cognitive case formulation science or science fiction?

Bieling, Peter J., Kuyken, Willem·2003·Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice

Abstract

As with all systematic models of therapy, cognitive therapy distills a theory to the understanding of particular cases through the case formulation method. This article sets out criteria to evaluate whether cognitive case formulation follows the process of scientific inquiry, and it questions whether the formulation method meets these criteria. In terms of the evidence base for the cognitive theory that underpins cognitive case formulation, the research suggests that although the descriptive elements of cognitive theory are substantiated, the explanatory elements have received less support. In terms of the scientific status of the cognitive case formulation process, current evidence for the reliability of the cognitive case formulation method is modest, at best. There is a striking paucity of research examining the validity of cognitive case formulations or the impact of cognitive case formulation on therapy outcome. Implications for the clinical use of cognitive case formulation within a scientistpractitioner model are discussed, and potential programs of research to evaluate the case formulation method are described. Key words: depression, anxiety, personality disorder, cognitive therapy, case formulation, cognitive models.

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Crossref · 10.1093/clipsy.10.1.52

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Authors
Bieling, P. J., & Kuyken, W.
Affiliations
  • St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (CA)
  • University of Exeter (GB)
Venue
Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice
Published
2003
Volume
10
Issue
1
Pages
52-69
ISSN
  • 0969-5893 (ISSN-L)
  • 1468-2850
OpenAlex
W2056187445
Cited by
174
References
163
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 15 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 8 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 6
FWCI
6.61
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Clinical Psychology Science and Practice (publishedVersion)
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
cognitive therapy, scientific validity, reliability statistics, treatment outcomes, scientist-practitioner model, cognitive models, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, evidence base

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