Date Approved
5-5-2015
Embargo Period
3-3-2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Department
Psychology
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Advisor
Haugh, Jim
Subject(s)
Depression, Mental--Treatment
Disciplines
Psychiatric and Mental Health
Abstract
Despite multiple treatments being equally effective in treating depression, individuals may have preferences for which intervention they receive. There has been evidence that psychotherapy is preferred over medication or other professional treatments. Psychotherapy, however, is a broad term that does not capture the reality of diverse systems of therapy available to consumers. Therefore, the current study hypothesized that if given the choice between conceptually different types of psychotherapy, individuals would express a preference for at least one treatment over the others. Results from 221 college students indicate that when offered descriptions of problem-solving, cognitive, interpersonal, or behavioral activation therapies, both cognitive and problem-solving therapy are preferred treatments. Additionally, the current work incorporated factors that may influence the preferences measured. Specifically, a person's beliefs about the causes of depression may better explain preferences. Therefore, the current study hypothesized that scores on the Reasons for Depression questionnaire (RFD; Addis, Truax, & Jacobson, 1995) would be higher or lower across each of the treatment options. For those that preferred behavioral activation therapy, every reason for depression was elevated indicating that participants in this group may believe depression is caused by a complex variety of reasons. Implications for future research in treatment preferences and treatment matching are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Jarema, Andrew, "Preferences for systems of psychotherapy and beliefs about the causes of depression" (2015). Theses and Dissertations. 338.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/338
