Eksteins, Olivers (2024) The X-Factor: Investigating Turning Points in Psychotherapy for Depression. Research Master thesis, Research Master.
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Abstract
This study investigates the dynamics of network activation in Exposure-Based Cognitive Therapy (EBCT) for depression, informed by Adele Hayes’ Network Destabilization and Transition (NDT) model. Using a dataset of 75 participants, we examined whether observed network dynamics followed those predicted by the NDT model. Multiple regression analyses focused on the relationship between cognitive-emotional processing peaks during phase 2 of therapy and improvements in depression outcomes. Our findings reinforce that peak cognitive-emotional processing significantly predicts better treatment outcomes, supporting the critical role of these peaks in therapeutic change. However, an interaction analysis did not show a significant synergistic effect between cognitive-emotional processing peaks and network strength shifts. Exploratory analyses further revealed the importance of psychological flexibility, as indicated by the network cross-rate, and the activation of positive emotions early in treatment. Higher network cross-rates and initial positive network activation were linked to greater improvements, underscoring the potential benefit of promoting psychological flexibility and positive network activation through therapeutic intervention strategies. Future research should explore the longitudinal dynamics of network activation with higher temporal resolution and investigate interventions that enhance psychological flexibility and positive emotion activation.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Research Master) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Lichtwarck-Aschoff, A. and Wardenaar, K.J. |
| Degree programme: | Research Master |
| Differentiation route: | Lifespan Development and Socialization [Research Master] |
| Date Deposited: | 23 Jul 2024 10:11 |
| Last Modified: | 23 Jul 2024 10:11 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4024 |
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