Identifying and targeting predictors of drop-out from group cognitive behaviour therapy.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Davis, Sharon; Hooke, Geoff; Page, Andrew
- Source
- Australian Journal of Psychology. May2006, Vol. 58 Issue 1, p48-56. 9p. 2 Charts, 1 Graph.
- Subject
- *BEHAVIOR therapy
*SELF-esteem
*PATIENTS
*SCHOOL dropouts
*MENTAL depression
*PSYCHOLOGY
- Language
- ISSN
- 0004-9530
The predictors of drop-out from a group cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) program were examined. In Study 1, 6 years of archival data of Perth Clinic's group CBT program were examined to determine the predictors of treatment drop-out. The predictors identified were low self-esteem at admission and a poor relationship status. These predictors were used to generate an algorithm for use by clinicians in identifying patients who may be likely to drop out. In Study 2, a controlled trial was conducted to determine if a brief self-esteem module delivered prior to a group CBT program might enhance outcomes and reduce drop-out rates. Day-patients who received the self-esteem module reported small additional reductions in depression scores but there were no noticeable effects upon drop-out rates. Suggestions are made for other ways to reduce drop-outs in CBT programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]