Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxious Symptoms in Persons of African Descent: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Despite the social origin or race, there are a number of historical and experiential differences between persons of African descent and members of other cultures which could potentially moderate outcomes in psychotherapeutic research. The goal of the meta-analysis was to determine the effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) used to treat anxiety in persons of African descent. A systematic review was conducted. A standardized mean difference meta-analysis used a random effects model for meta-analytic results. Moderator analyses were used to examine heterogeneity. Bonferroni corrections were used to adjust for type I errors. Of the 12 included studies, two meta-analytic models and a sensitivity analysis had large statistically, significant summary effects favoring CBT in the treatment of anxious symptoms in persons of African descent. Clinical implications regarding active ingredients of CBT vs. common factors are discussed. Areas for future research including fidelity, culturally adaption, and research design are described as well.