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Cited by 4Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive ProcessesPsychotherapy Techniques and ApplicationsPsychological Treatments and Assessments

Comparing skill enhanced and standard cognitive behavioral therapy for depression: A protocol for a randomized trial

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Murphy, Samuel T., Strunk, Daniel R., Bailey, Brooklynn, Bartels, Graham C., Vittorio, Lisa N., Whelen, Megan L., Zhou, Robert J.·2021·International Journal of Clinical Trials
DOI 10.18203/2349-3259.ijct20214107
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Abstract

Background: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) features prominently among the first-line treatments for depression. The development of CBT skills is associated with both symptom reductions and reduced risk for relapse, suggesting that improvements in CBT skills might be important to the benefits of CBT. Nonetheless, standard CBT places modest emphasis on the development of these skills. Methods: In this paper, we describe a randomized clinical trial testing the benefits of a variation of CBT that places greater emphasis on teaching patients CBT skills and makes patients' independent use of these skills a central therapeutic goal. Patients in this study (75 per condition) are being randomized to 12 weeks of standard or skill enhanced CBT for depression. The primary outcomes are change in symptoms and change in CBT skills. We will also evaluate the process of change in the treatments. Conclusions: This study has the potential to suggest an approach to enhancing CBT outcomes through greater focus on patients developing and independently using CBT skills. It will also provide an important context for understanding the role that CBT skills play in the therapeutic outcomes of CBT. Trial registration: The trial has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration number: NCT04673513; registered on 17 December 2020.

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  37. Vol. 8 No. 4 (2021): October-December 2021
  38. International Journal of Clinical Trials. Copyright © 2026.

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Authors
Murphy, S. T., Strunk, D. R., Bailey, B., Bartels, G. C., Vittorio, L. N., Whelen, M. L., & Zhou, R. J.
Affiliations
The Ohio State University (US)
ORCID
Venue
International Journal of Clinical Trials
Publisher
Medip Academy
Published
2021-10-22
Volume
8
Issue
4
Pages
285
ISSN
  • 2349-3240 (ISSN-L)
  • 2349-3259
DOI
10.18203/2349-3259.ijct20214107
OpenAlex
W3209958302
Cited by
4
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2023: 3
FWCI
0.72
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
International Journal of Clinical Trials (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychological Treatments and Assessments
Keywords
cognitive behavioral therapy, depression, change processes, relapse prevention, treatment outcomes

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