Cognitive-behavioral Techniques Research Articles

Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Intervention in Improving Executive Function of Children with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-analysis

This meta-analysis examines the efficacy of the cognitive behavioral approach to interventions toward the improvement of executive function for children/adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HF-ASD). This meta-analysis paper has identified ten studies involving 437 participants with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder aged between 5 and 18. All the participants reported IQs were at or above 70. A random effect meta-analysis yielded a moderately significant effect (Hedge g = 0.72) with significant heterogeneity [Q(10) = 228.36, p < .001]. There were considerable variations in the executive function domain, i.e., working memory (hedge g = 1.23) and inhibition (g = 0.47), showing significant treatment effects. On the other hand, cognitive flexibility (g = -0.51) and planning (g = -0.07) show non-significant effects toward cognitive behavioral interventions. The finding suggests that the cognitive behavioral approach to intervention demonstrates efficacy in improving executive function in children or adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. All the cognitive behavioral intervention studies were conducted in developed countries, so differences between the approaches between developed and developing countries were inconclusive. Future studies are needed to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral techniques in intervention for low-functioning autism spectrum disorder children.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Pharmacological and Nonpharmacological Interventions for Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.

Objectives: Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a relatively new diagnosis that comprises severe, nonepisodic irritability and recurrent outbursts of emotional instability in adolescents. This meta-analysis examined the efficacy of the available pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for DMDD. Methods: Literature searches were conducted in July 2023. To determine relevant articles, 330 abstracts were reviewed, and 39 articles were identified for full review. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis, and a subgroup analysis was performed to assess the effects of study design and intervention type. Results: Eleven studies were reviewed, including six pharmacological and five nonpharmacological. Despite high heterogeneity in effects (I2 = 85%), we showed statistically significant improvements in irritability symptoms following intervention. We showed statistically significant enhancements in symptoms of irritability following the intervention. The subgroup analysis revealed that, compared with randomized controlled trials (RCTs), open trials showed significant improvements in irritability. In addition, drug intervention significantly improved irritability compared to nondrug interventions. Atomoxetine (ATX), optimized stimulants, and stimulants combined with other drugs and behavioral therapy effectively improved irritability. Conclusions: With research indicating potential benefits for irritability from a combination of pharmacological interventions and therapy, including ATX, stimulants in conjunction with antipsychotic or antidepressant medications, and cognitive-behavioral techniques such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children. Future large-scale RCTs are essential to further explore and refine these treatment approaches, especially focusing on the efficacy of combining pharmacological with effective nonpharmacological to improve irritability and overall outcomes in this population.

Development of a Mobile application for Effective Mental Health Intervention

The global surge in depression and anxiety, intensified by challenges such as cost and stigma, emphasizes the pressing need for accessible, evidence-based digital solutions. The research centers on the creation of a mobile application specifically designed to address mental health challenges. By integrating cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and features like appointment bookings and mindfulness feedback tools, the app is positioned to improve user outcomes. Utilizing platforms like React Native and React, combined with NestJS for enhanced back-end security, the application adheres to the rigorous standards required for mental health interventions. Collaborative efforts with experts, notably the counseling unit of IIUM, ensure the app's alignment with contemporary best practices and research. Preliminary findings indicate a promising tool with the potential to address the global mental health treatment disparity.

Validation of key components in designing a social skills training content using virtual reality for high functioning autism youth-A Fuzzy Delphi method.

The use of virtual reality in social skills training for high functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD) youth has been found to be engaging and enjoyable. Despite the promising results, previous literature indicates that there has been no consensus on the social skills target in the training content. There is also limited research on how evidence-based strategies like cognitive and behaviour techniques are instantiated into the VR environment to teach social skills. The aim of this study is to determine the key components to design a social skills training content using virtual reality for youths with HFASD. The Fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) was used to obtain expert consensus on social skills difficulties and cognitive behavioral techniques included in the content in three phases. In phase 1, a questionnaire was developed from in-depth interviews and scientific literature review. The in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 HFASD youth, 7 parents and 6 experts. In phase 2, 3 experts rated the relevance of the items in the questionnaire using an item-level content validity index (I-CVI) assessment. In phase 3, the questionnaire was distributed to 10 experts to rate their level of agreement on each component using a 7-point Likert scale. Components that received a value above 75%, threshold value (d) ≤ 0.2, fuzzy score (A) ≥ α - cut value = 0.5 and higher rank based on defuzzification score were prioritized to be included in the content. Items that received higher expert consensus on social skills difficulties included assessing non-verbal responses, initiating, maintaining, and leaving conversations, emotional difficulties and difficulties in perspective taking. Cognitive and behavioral techniques that received higher expert consensus were psychoeducation, modelling, relaxation techniques, reinforcements, and perspective-taking questions. These key components can be used as a framework for the development of virtual learning content for social skills training in future studies.

Neurocognitive empowerment, embodied practices, and peak performance in sports: case studies and future challenges

The integration of neurosciences and sport psychology has revitalized the study of cognitive and emotional mechanisms in achieving peak athletic performance and preventing burnout. Recent advancements in applied neuroscience, including wearable body/brain-sensing devices, are of particular interest to research and professional practice in exercise and sport sciences. These technologies aid in understanding and evaluating sensorimotor and cognitive functions crucial for athletic performance. Sport neuroscience is advancing with the development of neurocognitive empowerment protocols, combining mental training, cognitive-behavioural techniques, and performance testing with neuroscientific devices. This paper introduces the theoretical background and potential of applying neuroscientific models to empowerment in exercise and sport science, presenting examples of protocols aimed at optimizing athletes’ performance. These protocols highlight a threefold focus on individual, dyadic, and collective performance.

Psychological resilience in healthcare workers: A review of strategies and intervention

Psychological resilience in healthcare workers: A review of strategies and intervention

Cognitive, behavioral, and affective mechanisms underlying the efficacy of Applied Relaxation in reducing psychopathological symptoms: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis study examined the cognitive, behavioral, and affective mechanisms underlying the efficacy of Applied Relaxation (AR) in reducing psychopathological symptoms. AR is a cognitive-behavioral technique that allows for rapid relaxation at the first sign of stress or tension in daily life. MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted in 277 adults (18–55 years) with elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress but without a 12-month DSM-5 mental disorder at study entry. Participants were randomized to an intervention group receiving AR training (10 weeks, N = 139) and an assessment-only control group (N = 138). Mental health outcomes (depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms) and potential cognitive (self-efficacy, perceived control), behavioral (coping behaviors) and affective (positive and negative affect) mediators of the intervention efficacy were assessed at baseline and post-assessment in both groups. ResultsStructural equation models indicated that baseline to post reductions in psychopathological symptoms due to AR partially passed through less avoidance-oriented and less other dysfunctional coping (proportion of total effect mediated; ratio of indirect to total effect: resignation: 55.0%, rumination: 27.9%, escape: 27.4%, aggression: 21.3%), less negative affect (46.3%), more positive affect (41.8%), lower external control beliefs (14.5%), and higher self-efficacy (13.3%). ConclusionsOur results suggest that improvements in cognitive, behavioral, and affective mediator variables partially explain the intervention efficacy of AR in improving mental health. Trial registration and data statementThe study protocol has been pre-registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03311529). The study protocol, minimum dataset, and analysis codes are available at OpARA - Open Access Repository and Archive. Supplementary materials (e.g., the course manual and additional training materials) are available on request from the last author (katja.beesdo-baum@tu-dresden.de).

Emotional problems experienced by mobbing victims and a research model proposal in terms of cognitive behavioral model

This study aims to review the literature about the emotional problems experienced by mobbing victims in the workplace and present a research model. Defined as a severe source of social stress in the workplace, mobbing systematically involves protracted and escalating conflicts with frequent abusive acts against the target person. Mobbing significantly impacts a victim’s emotional health, which can cause various psychiatric, psychosomatic, and psychosocial issues. Studies have shown that mobbing victims often suffer from anxiety, depression, irritability, psychosomatic symptoms, and sleep disturbances. In addition, they may experience low self-esteem, a lack of social skills, and a sense of submission. The consequences of mobbing go beyond the individual and affect their families and relatives. In this research, a literature review is conducted about the causes, manifestations, and consequences of mobbing. A research model is designed to emphasize the importance of cognitive behavioral techniques in combating emotional problems caused by exposure to mobbing behaviors in the workplace.

P651 A randomised controlled trial of IBD-BOOST, a digital cognitive behavioural self-management programme for fatigue, and/or pain, and/or faecal incontinence in inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract Background Many people with IBD experience fatigue, pain and faecal incontinence (FI), impacting quality of life (QoL). We developed an interactive digital online self-management intervention (IBD-BOOST) based on a theoretically informed logic model and cognitive behavioural techniques, to treat these symptoms. We aimed to assess if IBD-BOOST, alongside health care professional (HCP) support and care as usual (CAU), provides greater relief from symptoms and improvement of QoL compared with CAU alone. Methods We conducted a pragmatic multi-centre two-arm parallel group randomised controlled trial (RCT) recruiting patients from clinics and national registries who rated the impact of fatigue and/or pain and/or FI as ≥5/10. Those in the IBD-BOOST arm received 6 months access to the 12-session IBD-BOOST programme, a 30-minute telephone support call with a trained HCP after session 1 and weekly in-site email messages from the HCP for 3 months. The UK Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (UK-IBDQ) and global rating of symptom relief (GRSR) at 6 months were dual primary outcomes (alpha=0.025 was considered statistically significant as there were two primary outcomes). Other secondary outcomes, including individual symptoms, were measured at 6 and 12 months. Complier-averaged causal effects (CACE), sensitivity and pre-specified subgroup analyses were conducted. Results 780 participants were randomised (Figure 1), 432 with Crohn’s disease, 348 with ulcerative colitis or other IBD; 520 (66.7%) were female, mean age 49 years. At 6 months, both UK-IBDQ and GRSR were similar between the BOOST and CAU arms, p=0.19 for IBDQ and p=0.39 for GRSR (Table 1). Adverse events were similar between groups. FI score and EQ5D utility score (secondary outcomes) were significantly in favour of IBD-BOOST at 6 months, but pain and fatigue were no different. 57% of the intervention group completed a pre-defined minimum “dose” of 4 sessions (i.e. compliers). The CACE analysis suggested that compliers were more likely to report better QoL (p=0.03). Subgroup analysis of those meeting criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), showed that IBD-BOOST was more effective in improving IBDQ and GRSR at 6 months when compared with CAU for the IBD-IBS group (pinteraction=0.015 and 0.046, respectively). Conclusion This large RCT found that IBD-BOOST did not improve IBDQ and GRSR in patients with IBD and fatigue and/or pain and/or FI relative to CAU. Participants reported less FI at 6 and 12 months. Those who complied with the intervention showed a more pronounced IBDQ treatment effect. Those with IBD-IBS at baseline improved more than those without, suggesting a possible for further effectiveness research on IBD-BOOST. Trial registration: ISRCTN71618461

Use and Engagement With Low-Intensity Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques Used Within an App to Support Worry Management: Content Analysis of Log Data.

Low-intensity cognitive behavioral therapy (LICBT) has been implemented by the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies services across England to manage excessive worry associated with generalized anxiety disorder and support emotional well-being. However, barriers to access limit scalability. A solution has been to incorporate LICBT techniques derived from an evidence-based protocol within the Iona Mind Well-being app for Worry management (IMWW) with support provided through an algorithmically driven conversational agent. This study aims to examine engagement with a mobile phone app to support worry management with specific attention directed toward interaction with specific LICBT techniques and examine the potential to reduce symptoms of anxiety. Log data were examined with respect to a sample of "engaged" users who had completed at least 1 lesson related to the Worry Time and Problem Solving in-app modules that represented the "minimum dose." Paired sample 2-tailed t tests were undertaken to examine the potential for IMWW to reduce worry and anxiety, with multivariate linear regressions examining the extent to which completion of each of the techniques led to reductions in worry and anxiety. There was good engagement with the range of specific LICBT techniques included within IMWW. The vast majority of engaged users were able to interact with the cognitive behavioral therapy model and successfully record types of worry. When working through Problem Solving, the conversational agent was successfully used to support the user with lower levels of engagement. Several users engaged with Worry Time outside of the app. Forgetting to use the app was the most common reason for lack of engagement, with features of the app such as completion of routine outcome measures and weekly reflections having lower levels of engagement. Despite difficulties in the collection of end point data, there was a significant reduction in severity for both anxiety (t53=5.5; P<.001; 95% CI 2.4-5.2) and low mood (t53=2.3; P=.03; 95% CI 0.2-3.3). A statistically significant linear model was also fitted to the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (F2,51=6.73; P<.001), while the model predicting changes in the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 did not reach significance (F2,51=2.33; P=.11). This indicates that the reduction in these measures was affected by in-app engagement with Worry Time and Problem Solving. Engaged users were able to successfully interact with the LICBT-specific techniques informed by an evidence-based protocol although there were lower completion rates of routine outcome measures and weekly reflections. Successful interaction with the specific techniques potentially contributes to promising data, indicating that IMWW may be effective in the management of excessive worry. A relationship between dose and improvement justifies the use of log data to inform future developments. However, attention needs to be directed toward enhancing interaction with wider features of the app given that larger improvements were associated with greater engagement.

Influencing patient behaviors in coordinated care based on behavioral patterns.

Healthcare providers on primary healthcare teams have to know how to effectively encourage patients to change their health behavior to achieve therapeutic goals. When influencing patients’ lifestyle and health behaviors, patient’s perspective should be at the heart of the discussion so that lifestyle promotion services support better outcomes and experiences. Understanding behavioral patterns and psychological background of implementing change, can help healthcare professionals in delivering interventions with higher success rate. In fact, thanks to enhanced patient engagement, theory-based interventions tend to be more effective in changing behaviors compared to non-theory based interventions. In coordinated care, lifestyle promotion can consist of screening, lifestyle advice and referral to another healthcare professional.&#x0D; The aim of the study was to evaluate the importance of behavioral patterns in influencing the patient’s attitudes and health behaviors.&#x0D; Changing habits in the context of health promotion could be accomplished by influencing patients’ perception. This could be achieved by TRA (Theory of Reasoned Action) and HBM (Health Belief Model) models by convincing the public of susceptibility to a particular disease, disseminating knowledge about effective prevention methods and generating persuasion, support, admiration or recognition in society after positive behaviors such as smoking cessation or regular physical activity.&#x0D; A more effective technique is cognitive behavioral technique based on the theory of learning. These techniques rely on the assumption that behavior and cognition must be considered together if they are to be effective in causing change. Our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are often connected in cause and effect sequences. Therefore, in order to understand the causes of, for example, self-destructive behaviors, attention should be paid not only to the behavior itself, but also to the cognitive processes related to it.&#x0D; Successful behavioral interventions must be based on changing the approach of medical personnel to the interpersonal process with the patient. This approach should be patient - centered and collaborative. It is therefore important to establish a relationship that shows genuine interest in the patient. Medical staff should assess the importance that the patient attributes to their health and the treatment process, and thus also their willingness and motivation to comply with the recommendations. Mere provision of information will not guarantee a change in their behavior. Effective ways to reduce patient’s resistance include emphasizing their personal choice and control, making sure the patient is ready for treatment, convincing the patient of the importance of the treatment process and involving the patient in the decision-making process. Medical staff should use active listening techniques (use of open-ended questions, clarifications, reflective statements and summary statements), should encourage patients to express their concerns and should be able to weigh the pros and cons of different therapeutic approaches.&#x0D;

Audiovisual Stimulation and Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy Complex Application in the Rehabilitation of Patients with Long COVID: a Prospective Randomized Study

INTRODUCTION. The COVID-19 pandemic has created threats and risks not only for the physical but for the mental health of people as well. To date, there is insufficient scientific data on anxiety, depression in patients who have undergone COVID-19, and the clinical effectiveness of comprehensive medical rehabilitation programs in patients with post-COVID disorders.&#x0D; AIM. Tostudy the clinical effectiveness of the use of audiovisual stimulation and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy in the complex rehabilitation of patients with post-COVID syndrome.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study included 59 patients with the long COVID disorders from 1 to 6 months after the disease, of which 41 (69.5 %) women and 18 (30.5 %) men aged between 31 and 81, with the mean age being 59.73 ± 1.59 years. All the patients were randomized into two groups. Group I (main) included 29 patients, 9 men, 20 women, the mean age 60.72 ± 2.04 years, who underwent medical rehabilitation using audiovisual stimulation and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy techniques. The II (control group) included 30 patients, including 9 men, 21 women; the mean age was 58.63 ± 2.44 years, who underwentrehabilitation consisting of a standard set of measures. To objectify emotional disturbances, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the author’s computer program for assessing subjective comfort, situational and personal anxiety were used. Statistical data processing was carried out using the program “Statistica-10“. The degree of differences in quantitative indicators in the groups was assessed by the Wilconson test, the significance of differences between the groups after the treatment was made by the Mann-Whitney test (p). The assessment of qualitative indicators was carried out by analyzing multifield tables using the Pearson chi-square test.&#x0D; RESULTS. The use of audiovisual stimulation and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy in the complex rehabilitation of patients with long COVID disorder syndrome contributed to the regression of emotional disorders, as evidenced by statistically significant changes in indicators on the HADS, Spielberger-Khanin, State Scale (p 0.05). No signs of anxiety and depression were observed after the treatment in 27 (93.1 %) patients. Average (reference) levels of situational and personal anxiety were observed in 28 (96.6 %) and 21 (72.4%) patients, respectively. The subjective comfort index reached a high level in 19 (65.5 %) (p 0.0001) patients.&#x0D; DISCUSSION. The study showed that patients who had suffered COVID-19 and had long COVID disorders before the treatment were under the influence of a high-intensity stressful situation, experienced high-level anxiety and experienced severe psycho-emotional stress. The use of audiovisual stimulation and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy helped to increase the number of patients without anxiety and depressive symptoms (p 0.05), reduce the high level of situational and personal anxiety on the Spielberger-Khanin scale (p 0.05), and increase tolerance to psychological stress and the ability to independently cope with stress and its consequences.&#x0D; CONCLUSION. A comprehensive rehabilitation program, including audiovisual stimulation and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, helps to effectively relieve emotional stress and change the inappropriate behavior of patients with long COVID disorders.

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Reducing Kinesiophobia. A Systematic Review

This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence from 18 distinct research studies examining various virtual reality strategies for alleviating kinesiophobia in people with chronic pain or musculoskeletal issues. These methods included but were not limited to exposure therapy and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Our analysis highlights several positive outcomes using VR- driven interventions for treatment-seeking populations with movement/activity anxiety. While some VR interventions lasted just one session and others up to eight weeks, they all shared a remarkable success rate at reducing kinsesiophobia based on findings from this systematic review. As such, future research must be dedicated towards determining which types of VR interventions prove most effective given broad differences in duration among current studies. The rapid advancements of virtual reality (VR) technology have revolutionized several industries, including education and entertainment. However, beyond these domains, the medical field has also begun to include this innovative technology into their treatment interventions for various health concerns worldwide.

Nashville partnership provides maternal MH support to teachers

Curio Digital Therapeutics, Inc., a leading provider of evidence‐based digital solutions for female‐focused mental health and wellness, last week announced a new partnership with the Metro Nashville Public Schools system (MNPS). MNPS is the school district that serves the city of Nashville, Tennessee, and nearby Davidson County. The partnership will offer MNPS members access to Curio's MamaLift program, a personalized and interactive digital solution that helps mothers cope with the challenges of pregnancy, motherhood, and postpartum depression. MamaLift is designed to support mothers at every stage of their journey, from conception to the first year of their baby's life. MamaLift uses cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, mindfulness exercises, and evidence‐based support to help mothers reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance their well‐being. MamaLift also provides mothers with relevant information and resources on topics such as nutrition, sleep, breastfeeding, and bonding with their baby. Beyond its self‐guided lessons and tracker, MamaLift allows mothers to have a direct, live connection to expert health coaches and doctors all within the same platform. “MamaLift is a game‐changer for maternal mental health,” said Shailja Dixit, M.D., the founder, and CEO of Curio Digital Therapeutics. “It empowers mothers to take charge of their mental health and wellness and provides them with the tools and support they need to thrive.”

Beliefs and Self-Perceptions of Spanish Mental Health Professionals about Physical Therapy in Mental Health: An Observational Survey Study.

The aim of this study is to understand the image, perception, and beliefs regarding the role of the physiotherapist in the field of mental health physiotherapy, both among the professional community and other multidisciplinary teams. An observational phenomenological qualitative study through the administration of an ad hoc survey comprising both categorical and open-ended as well as quantitative questions was conducted. A total of 368 responses were analysed. The participants comprised 78.4% women with a mean age of 37.5, an average professional experience of 14.33 years, and 88.3% practicing physical therapists. From the qualitative analysis conducted, three categories emerged in relation to the obtained responses: (a) functions with codes of "improving quality of life" and "intervening in physical pathologies"; (b) objectives with codes of "Improving quality of life", "Intervening in physical pathologies", "Functional rehabilitation", "Health promotion", and "Intervening in mental disorders"; and (c) image with codes "unfamiliarity", "holistic vision", "necessity", and "importance". Regarding the tools, the findings highlight a strong focus on physical exercise interventions due to their well-established benefits. Cognitive strategies like therapeutic relationships and cognitive-behavioural techniques were also prominent. Additionally, embodiment techniques involving movement, relaxation, breathing, and voice usage were notable. Lastly, manual therapy and physical agents formed another distinct category. The vision and role of this professional profile were unknown to the respondents. Despite being perceived as having a holistic view of the patient and being considered an essential need, the actual image remains vague. However, there is significant interest, indicating a promising future, although the lack of specialized training is noted. Therefore, the need for specialized education and awareness campaigns among professionals in the mental health field is highlighted.

Spirituality Enhanced with Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques in Extramarital Infidelity: A Literature Review

: Extramarital Infidelity (EMI) variants, such as sexual and emotional infidelities, are increasing in marriages. The literature indicates that spiritual and cognitive-behavioral techniques reduce marital conflicts, increase marital satisfaction and commitment, and improve couples’ compatibility and quality of life. To the best of our knowledge, little is known about which therapies can more effectively prevent and address this behavior. In addition, no therapeutic approach is effective for all clients. Given the limitations of each approach, various studies have shown that eclectic approaches can provide a better point of view for addressing patient-specific problems. This literature review discussed the effectiveness of spiritual counseling enhanced with cognitive-behavioral techniques in addressing EMI. The findings suggest that the spiritual realm, as an aid for coping with the desire for extramarital relationships reinforced with cognitive-behavioral techniques, maybe a suitable method to approach this complicated phenomenon. There is a need to address the direct and indirect ways in which spiritual health affects EMI in both personal and social life.

Deaf perceptions about treatment for alcohol use and mental health

IntroductionRecent research suggests that alcohol use disorder may be more prevalent in the Deaf community, a diverse sociolinguistic minority group. However, rates of treatment-seeking among Deaf individuals are even lower than in the general society. This study used the Theory of Planned Behavior to identify Deaf adults' beliefs about treatment that may prevent their treatment-seeking behaviors. MethodsThis study conducted elicitation interviews with 16 Deaf adults. The study team recruited participants from across the U.S. and conducted interviews on Zoom. Participant ages ranged from 27 to 67 years (M = 40, SD =10.8). Seventy-five percent of the sample was male, 75 % were White, and 12.5 % were Hispanic/Latine. The study conducted interviews in American Sign Language, subsequently interpreted into English by a nationally certified interpreter, and transcribed for data analyses. The study analyzed transcripts using the Framework Method. The study team coded the interviews in groups and assessed for saturation (≤ 5 % new themes) of themes throughout the analysis. This study reached saturation in the third group (six total groups). ResultsIdentified themes followed the Theory of Planned Behavior constructs. The study identified nine Behavioral Beliefs with four advantages and five disadvantages of seeking treatment, four Normative Beliefs with one support and three oppositions to seeking treatment, and thirteen Control Beliefs with five facilitators and eight barriers to seeking treatment. Overall, the Deaf participants reported several unique beliefs based on their cultural and linguistic perspectives, including a concern about unqualified providers, experiencing stress in treatment with hearing providers, stigma within the Deaf community, less access to cultural information about alcohol and mental health, less encouragement of traditional treatment in marginalized communities, and additional barriers (e.g., communication, limited Deaf treatment options, discrimination, etc.). ConclusionsA thorough understanding of individual beliefs about treatment is necessary to develop interventions that may increase treatment-seeking behaviors. Previous research has demonstrated that individual beliefs may be modified using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to increase treatment-seeking behaviors among hearing individuals. Similar interventions may be useful with Deaf individuals; however, they must consider the unique cultural and linguistic perspectives of the community.

Stress Management: Concept, Approaches, and Analysis

Purpose: Enhance well-being; acquire adaptive decision-making skills; Relationship breakdown, mental health enhancement, and unemployment problem-solving are all focus areas. Design/Methodology/Approach: Secondary data for this study came from a wide range of places, such as case studies, books, periodicals, journals, articles, and online searches. Findings/Results: Stress has many facets, both in terms of its causes and its effects. It’s more of a personal journey than a general truth to determine what helps you cope with pressure. The client will be taught techniques for dealing with every day and unexpected tension sources. Cognitive and behavioral strategies are helpful for stress management. Mindfulness-based stress reduction therapies have received much research and attention recently. Due to its association with numerous diseases, stress management is paramount. Outcome: The outcomes include the concept of stress management, various stages of stress and how to overcome the stress, the causes and effects of individual stress, the management of stress effectively through the use of cognitive behavioral techniques, and how to use mindfulness-based interventions for stress management. Originality/Values: This research sheds light on the many sources of stress in the lives of humans, including but not limited to increased workload, increased risk of physical and mental illness, and strategies for coping with stress at different levels. How one chooses to spend one’s life determines the particular sources of stress that they will face. Type of Paper: Literature review

The Rising Influence of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Depression Treatment

Major depressive disorder is a common and recurring condition that necessitates ongoing advancements in treatment. The integration of mindfulness meditation and cognitive behavioural techniques in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has shown promise as an effective approach. This review focuses on the current evidence regarding MBCT's efficacy in treating acute depression and preventing relapse. A comprehensive search was conducted across various databases to identify randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses from the last decade that evaluate MBCT. The results consistently indicate that MBCT is able to reduce current symptoms of depression and lower the risk of relapse to a similar extent as maintenance antidepressants. Additionally, neuroimaging studies have revealed functional changes in the brain that correlate with clinical improvements following MBCT. There is a growing trend towards expanding the delivery methods for MBCT, including online platforms and applications, while also optimizing traditional in-person settings. However, there are several limitations that need to be addressed. These include issues surrounding patient diversity, teaching quality, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. To broaden the scope of MBCT and enhance its effectiveness in different care settings, further research on implementation is necessary. To summarize, MBCT has demonstrated consistent efficacy in treating major depression, but there is a need to continuously improve its accessibility and delivery methods as it becomes more widely available

Treatment Effects on Psychophysiological Stress Responses in Youth With Obesity.

Stress plays a central role in obesity development, but research on treatment options to tackle elevated stress levels in youth with obesity is scarce. The present study examined the impact of the Multidisciplinary Obesity Treatment (MOT; lifestyle intervention including physical exercise, healthy meals, and cognitive behavioral techniques) on physiological stress parameters in youth with obesity and assessed whether adding emotion regulation (ER) training on top of MOT is beneficial. From an inpatient treatment center for obesity, 92 youngsters (mean [standard deviation] age = 12.50 [1.66] years, 43.5% boys) were randomly assigned to a control group (MOT) or experimental group (MOT + ER training). Before (T1) and after 12 weeks of treatment (T2), high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) and heart rate were measured at rest and during a stress induction (= psychophysiological reactivity). At T2, after MOT only, participants displayed a lower resting heart rate ( MT2/T1 = 74.7/78.6) and a reduced stress response (i.e., less decrease in HF-HRV [ MT2/T1 = -0.06/-0.01] and less increase in heart rate [ MT2/T1 = 0.03/0.06] after the stress induction). No further improvements were revealed after adding ER training. However, when considering the weight changes, the significant results in resting heart rate and HF-HRV and heart rate reactivity decreased in the control group, and additional improvements in psychophysiological parameters were discovered in the experimental group. The results suggest that MOT may effectively reduce physiological stress responses and also provide preliminary evidence for a potential additional effect of ER training. Further research in a larger sample with extended follow-up measurements is needed.