A Cognitive Behavioural Intervention Programme to Improve Psychological Well-Being

Psychosocial risk factors have increased in today’s work environment, and they threaten work ability. Good workplace atmosphere, psychosocial support, the ability to cope with stress, and skills and knowledge are all connected to more successful coping. Faster changes in the work environment and an increased workload can lead to a chain of fatigue and illness. The aim of this study was to evaluate a cognitive behavioural intervention as an early rehabilitation strategy to improve employees’ well-being, in intervention group N446 and in control group N116. The well-being measures used were the Bergen Burnout Inventory (BBI 15), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), and depression and stress screening questions. Data were obtained by a self-report survey at baseline and at a nine-month follow-up. Differences were analysed within and between groups. The results suggest that cognitive behavioural intervention as an early rehabilitation programme will increase employees’ well-being measured by BBI 15, UWES, and depression and stress screening questions. In the intervention group, the total BBI 15 score (p < 0.01) and each of the three subdimensions of burnout (exhaustion, cynicism, and sense of inadequacy) decreased at follow-up. Mental health issues are the commonest reasons for sick leave and early retirement. We need ways to prevent these issues.

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Case-Series Evaluating a Transdiagnostic Cognitive-Behavioural Treatment for Co-occurring Anxiety Disorders

Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy ◽

10.1017/s1352465814000435 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 43 (6) ◽

pp. 744-758 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Freda McManus ◽

Gavin Clark ◽

Kate Muse ◽

Roz Shafran

Keyword(s):

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Anxiety Disorders ◽

Well Being ◽

Behavioural Intervention ◽

Behavioural Interventions ◽

Cognitive Behavioural ◽

Cognitive Behavioural Intervention ◽

Axis I ◽

Cognitive Behavioural Interventions

Background: Patients with anxiety disorder diagnoses commonly have more than one anxiety diagnosis. While cognitive-behavioural interventions have proven efficacy in treating single anxiety disorder diagnoses, there has been little investigation of their efficacy in treating co-occurring anxiety disorders. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of a transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioural intervention for treating co-occurring anxiety disorders. Method: An A-B single case study design (N = 6) was used to evaluate the efficacy of a 12 to 13-session modular transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioural intervention for treating co-occurring anxiety disorders across patients with at least two of the following diagnoses: GAD, Social Phobia, Panic Disorder and/or OCD. Results: Five of the six participants completed treatment. At posttreatment assessment the five treatment completers achieved diagnostic and symptomatic change, with three participants being diagnosis free. All participants who completed treatment no longer met criteria for any DSM-IV-TR Axis-I diagnosis at the 3-month follow-up assessment, and demonstrated reliable and clinically-significant improvements in symptoms. Across the participants, statistically significant improvements from pre to postintervention were found on measures of anxiety, depression and general well-being, and all improvements were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Conclusions: Results suggest that transdiagnostic cognitive behavioural interventions can be of benefit to patients with co-occurring anxiety disorders.

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An integrated motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioural intervention promoting physical activity maintenance for adults with chronic health conditions: A feasibility study

Chronic Illness ◽

10.1177/1742395318769370 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (4) ◽

pp. 276-292

Author(s):

Sarah E Scott ◽

Jeff D Breckon ◽

Robert J Copeland

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Motivational Interviewing ◽

Chronic Health Conditions ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Behavioural Intervention ◽

Chronic Health ◽

Cognitive Behavioural ◽

Cognitive Behavioural Intervention ◽

Physical Activity Maintenance

Objectives Physical activity is recommended for managing chronic health conditions but is rarely maintained. This feasibility study aimed to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of a motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioural intervention for long-term physical activity for adults with chronic health conditions. Methods Participants ( N = 37) with stable conditions (e.g. diabetes) were randomized into a three-month motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioural group ( N = 20) or usual care ( N = 17) after completing a physical activity referral scheme. Participants completed physical activity (e.g. average steps per day and kilocalorie expenditure), psychological (e.g. self-efficacy) and epidemiological (e.g. body mass index) standardized measures at baseline, three- and six-month follow-up. Treatment fidelity and feasibility were assessed. Results Thirty-five participants completed the study (96% retention). The motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioural group maintained kilocalorie expenditure at three ( p = 0.009) and six months ( p = 0.009). Exercise barrier self-efficacy ( p = 0.03), physical ( p = 0.02) and psychological ( p = 0.01) physical activity experiences were increased at three months only. No difference was found for average steps/day, social support, coping skills and epidemiological factors. Discussion This is the first study to demonstrate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioural interventions for promoting physical activity maintenance in a clinical population. A large-scale trial with a longer follow-up (≥6 months) is warranted with treatment fidelity assessment.

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Cognitive–behavioural therapy combined with music therapy for chronic fatigue following Epstein-Barr virus infection in adolescents: a feasibility study

BMJ Paediatrics Open ◽

10.1136/bmjpo-2019-000620 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. e000620 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sadaf Malik ◽

Tarjei Tørre Asprusten ◽

Maria Pedersen ◽

Julie Mangersnes ◽

Gro Trondalen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Music Therapy ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Chronic Fatigue ◽

Behavioural Therapy ◽

Control Group ◽

Barr Virus ◽

Cognitive Behavioural ◽

Epstein Barr ◽

Harmful Effects

BackgroundCognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective in chronic fatigue syndrome. However, CBT has not been investigated in postinfectious chronic fatigue (CF), nor is it known whether addition of therapeutic elements from other disciplines might be feasible. We studied the feasibility of a combined CBT and music therapy intervention for CF following Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in adolescents.MethodsAdolescents (12–20 years old) participating in a postinfectious cohort study who developed CF 6 months after an acute EBV infection were eligible for the present feasibility study. A combined CBT and music therapy programme (10 therapy sessions and related homework) was compared with care as usual in a randomised controlled design. Therapists and participants were blinded to outcome evaluation. Endpoints included physical activity (steps/day), symptom scores, recovery rate and possible harmful effects, but the study was underpowered regarding efficacy. Total follow-up time was 15 months.ResultsA total of 43 individuals with postinfectious CF were included (21 intervention group, 22 control group). Seven individuals left the study during the first 3 months, leaving 15 in the intervention group and 21 in the control group at 3 months’ follow-up. No harmful effects were recorded, and compliance with appointment was high. In intention-to-treat analyses, number of steps/day tended to decrease (difference=−1158, 95% CI −2642 to 325), whereas postexertional malaise tended to improve (difference=−0.4, 95% CI −0.9 to 0.1) in the intervention group at 3 months. At 15 months’ follow-up, there was a trend towards higher recovery rate in the intervention group (62% vs 37%).ConclusionAn intervention study of combined CBT and music therapy in postinfectious CF is feasible, and appears acceptable to the participants. The tendencies towards positive effects on patients’ symptoms and recovery might justify a full-scale clinical trial.Trial registration numberNCT02499302.

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Brief Online Cognitive Behavioural Intervention for Dysfunctional Worry Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics ◽

10.1159/000512843 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Tove Wahlund ◽

David Mataix-Cols ◽

Klara Olofsdotter Lauri ◽

Elles de Schipper ◽

Brjánn Ljótsson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Intervention ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Waiting List ◽

Medium Effect ◽

Behavioural Intervention ◽

Serious Adverse Events ◽

Cognitive Behavioural ◽

Associated Symptoms ◽

Cognitive Behavioural Intervention

Introduction: Worries about the immediate and long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic may for some individuals develop into pervasive worry that is disproportionate in its intensity or duration and significantly interferes with everyday life. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate if a brief self-guided, online psychological intervention can reduce the degree of dysfunctional worry related to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated symptoms. Methods: 670 adults from the Swedish general population reporting daily uncontrollable worry about COVID-19 and its possible consequences (e.g., illness, death, the economy, one’s family) were randomised (1:1 ratio) to a 3-week self-guided, online cognitive behavioural intervention targeting dysfunctional COVID-19 worry and associated symptoms, or a waiting list of equal duration. The primary outcome measure was a COVID-19 adapted version of the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale administered at baseline and weeks 1–3 (primary endpoint). Follow-up assessments were conducted 1 month after treatment completion. The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04341922) before inclusion of the first participant. Results: The main pre-specified intention-to-treat analysis indicated significant reductions in COVID-19-related worry for the intervention group compared to the waiting list (β = 1.14, Z = 9.27, p < 0.001), corresponding to a medium effect size (bootstrapped d = 0.74 [95% CI: 0.58–0.90]). Improvements were also seen on all secondary measures, including mood, daily functioning, insomnia, and intolerance of uncertainty. Participant satisfaction was high. No serious adverse events were recorded. Conclusions: A brief digital and easily scalable self-guided psychological intervention can significantly reduce dysfunctional worry and associated behavioural symptoms related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Cognitive-behavioural Intervention with a Depressed Adolescent Experiencing School Attendance Difficulties

Behaviour Change ◽

10.1017/s081348390000320x ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 87-97 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Stephanie Rollings ◽

Neville King ◽

Bruce Tonge ◽

David Heyne ◽

Dawn Young

Keyword(s):

School Attendance ◽

School Refusal ◽

Behavioural Intervention ◽

Full Time ◽

Cognitive Behavioural ◽

Depressed Adolescent ◽

Positive Treatment ◽

Cognitive Behavioural Intervention ◽

Treatment Gains

This article describes a cognitive-behavioural intervention implemented over 10 sessions with an adolescent girl experiencing school refusal and depression. Treatment focused on the learning of various coping skills to deal with stressful situations at home and school. Following a decision to change schools, a rapid school return was employed. A multimethod, multisource evaluation was used at pretreatment, posttreatment, and follow-up assessments. The data indicated positive treatment outcomes: the adolescent returned to full-time attendance at school and exhibited decreased levels of emotional distress. The treatment gains were maintained at a 3-month follow-up.

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Classroom-based cognitive behavioural therapy: a large-scale non-randomised controlled trial of the ‘Journey of the Brave’

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health ◽

10.1186/s13034-021-00374-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yuko Urao ◽

Ikuyo Ohira ◽

Takako Koshiba ◽

Shin-ichi Ishikawa ◽

Yasunori Sato ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ◽

Large Scale ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Behavioural Therapy ◽

Anxiety Score ◽

Small Scale ◽

Control Group ◽

Cognitive Behavioural

Abstract Background In Japan, ‘Journey of the Brave’, a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based anxiety preventive education programme, was previously developed and its effectiveness examined in two small-scale controlled trials. These studies had some limitations, including a small number of participants and not having regular classroom teachers as programme facilitators. Therefore, we conducted a large-scale controlled trial, with teachers as programme implementers. Methods Twenty-seven elementary schools participated: 1622 and 1123 children were allocated to the intervention and control groups, respectively. The intervention group received a programme comprising ten 45-min sessions, while the control group underwent the regular school curriculum. Anxiety symptoms among participants were assessed using the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS) at three stages (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up). Results Following primary analysis, estimated mean changes in SCAS from baseline to follow-up were − 4.91 (95% CI − 5.91, − 3.90) in the intervention group and − 2.53 (95% CI − 3.52, − 1.54) in the control group; the group difference was 2.37 (95% CI 1.42, 3.33, p < 0.0001). Children in the intervention group showed significant reduction in their anxiety score versus children in the control group. Conclusions The results showed a statistically significant anxiety score reduction in the intervention group, thus verifying the programme’s effectiveness. Trial registration The University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN): UMIN000032517. Registered 10 May 2018—Retrospectively registered, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000037083

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THE SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF PTSD THROUGH OVERT COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY IN NON-RESPONDERS TO EMDR

Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy ◽

10.1017/s1352465801001072 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 57-70 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Grant J. Devilly

Keyword(s):

Sexual Abuse ◽

Childhood Sexual Abuse ◽

Behavioral Therapy ◽

Treatment Protocol ◽

Trauma Treatment ◽

Behavioural Intervention ◽

Cognitive Behavioural ◽

Cognitive Behavioural Intervention ◽

Sexual Abuse Victims

This research investigated the efficacy of an operantly cognitive-behavioural trauma treatment protocol (TTP) in two cases that had previously been treated unsuccessfully with EMDR. In line with previous research, both participants improved following TTP, to the extent where one of the participants was asymptomatic at post-treatment and 3 month follow-up. These cases also demonstrate the ability of a cognitive-behavioural intervention to successfully treat childhood sexual abuse victims later in life.

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Development and implementation of a multifaceted well-being intervention

Journal of Organizational Effectiveness People and Performance ◽

10.1108/joepp-02-2016-0013 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. 360-375 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Maura J. Mills ◽

Clive J. Fullagar ◽

Satoris S. Culbertson

Keyword(s):

Personal Growth ◽

Professional Growth ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Control Group ◽

Extension Agents ◽

Content Type ◽

Cognitive Reframing ◽

The One

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and implement an intervention to increase individuals’ hedonic well-being (HWB) and/or eudaimonic well-being (EWB) via cognitive reframing and action-based behaviors. Design/methodology/approach Time 1 and Time 2 data were collected two weeks apart from 76 participants (comprised of city employees, extension agents, and students) in an intervention group (23) and a characteristically similar control group (53). The intervention included an in-person facilitated meeting with a series of follow-up e-mails designed to focus participants on well-being improvement strategies and provide them resources for continued well-being development. Findings Intervention participants evidenced a significant increase in EWB after two weeks, particularly the personal growth dimension. No significant increase resulted for HWB. Research limitations/implications The present intervention indicates the importance of targeting well-being at a facet level, including a focus on multidimensional EWB. The intervention also serves to guide the informed development of future well-being programs. Practical implications These findings have important implications for organizations in light of increased employee desire for personal and professional growth opportunities supported by their employer. Group interventions such as the one reported herein are an important way for organizations to develop and invest in employees. Originality/value This paper traces the development of prior well-being interventions, evaluating their successes and failures and using those to guide the informed development of the present intervention. By utilizing both in-person and follow-up components, and incorporating both hedonic and multidimensional eudaimonic components, the proposed intervention serves as an important step toward a feasible organizational intervention that can benefit many.

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Effectiveness of a health literacy intervention based on transformative learning and incorporating positive psychology on health behavior and well-being of Thai families with NCDs risk

Journal of Public Health Research ◽

10.4081/jphr.2021.1935 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ungsinun Intarakamhang ◽

Ann Macaskill

Keyword(s):

Health Literacy ◽

Positive Psychology ◽

Health Behavior ◽

Transformative Learning ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Control Group ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Physiological Measurement

Background: Thailand has a higher global NCD mortality rate in comparison to the rest of the world, accounting for 75% and 71% of all deaths. WHO focused increasingly on health literacy (HL) in order to decrease NCDs. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an HL intervention utilizing transformative learning and positive psychology with mindfulness training in terms of changing levels of HL, health behavior (HB), and health outcomes. Design and Methods: The study was a randomized control trial from May to September 2019. The participants were a rural Thai population with low levels of HL, living in an area with high levels of NCDs. The 200 participants were cluster randomly allocated to an eight-week intervention, and the control group. The data were collected by Likert questionnaires and physical exams, and analyzed via ANOVA. Results: The intervention group mean scores for HL, psychological capital, HB, and family well-being increased from baseline to post-intervention, but decreased during the follow-up but were still significantly higher than the control group and baseline scores. The increases in HL and HB were matched by improvements in physiological measurement. The BMI scores of the intervention group decreased in each phase, while the control group scores remained largely unchanged. An intervention group had significantly lower fasting blood sugar than the controls at the intervention and in the follow-up. There was no interaction between social support and any other variables.Conclusion: This program demonstrated improvements in HL, HB and the well-being of Thai families at risk of NCDs in rural communities.

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Resilience@Work Mindfulness Program: Results From a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial With First Responders (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.12894 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Sadhbh Joyce ◽

Fiona Shand ◽

Tara J Lal ◽

Brendan Mott ◽

Richard A Bryant ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

First Responders ◽

Well Being ◽

Control Group ◽

Resilience Training ◽

Cluster Randomized ◽

Adaptive Resilience

BACKGROUND A growing body of research suggests that resilience training can play a pivotal role in creating mentally healthy workplaces, particularly with regard to protecting the long-term well-being of workers. Emerging research describes positive outcomes from various types of resilience training programs (RTPs) among different occupational groups. One specific group of workers that may benefit from this form of proactive resilience training is first responders. Given the nature of their work, first responders are frequently exposed to stressful circumstances and potentially traumatic events, which may impact their overall resilience and well-being over time. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine whether a mindfulness-based RTP (the Resilience@Work [RAW] Mindfulness Program) delivered via the internet can effectively enhance resilience among a group of high-risk workers. METHODS We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) comprising 24 Primary Fire and Rescue and Hazmat stations within New South Wales. Overall, 12 stations were assigned to the 6-session RAW Mindfulness Program and 12 stations were assigned to the control condition. A total of 143 active full-time firefighters enrolled in the study. Questionnaires were administered at baseline, immediately post training, and at 6-month follow-up. Measurements examined change in both adaptive and bounce-back resilience as well as several secondary outcomes examining resilience resources and acceptance and mindfulness skills. RESULTS Mixed-model repeated measures analysis found that the overall test of group-by-time interaction was significant (P=.008), with the intervention group increasing in adaptive resilience over time. However, no significant differences were found between the intervention group and the control group in terms of change in bounce-back resilience (P=.09). At 6-month follow-up, the group receiving the RAW intervention had an average increase in their resilience score of 1.3, equating to a moderate-to-large effect size compared with the control group of 0.73 (95% CI 0.38-1.06). Per-protocol analysis found that compared with the control group, the greatest improvements in adaptive resilience were observed among those who completed most of the RAW program, that is, 5 to 6 sessions (P=.002). CONCLUSIONS The results of this RCT suggest that mindfulness-based resilience training delivered in an internet format can create improvements in adaptive resilience and related resources among high-risk workers, such as first responders. Despite a number of limitations, the results of this study suggest that the RAW Mindfulness Program is an effective, scalable, and practical means of delivering online resilience training in high-risk workplace settings. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a mindfulness-based RTP delivered entirely via the internet has been tested in the workplace. CLINICALTRIAL Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12615000574549; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=368296 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/75w4xtrpw).

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