Effects of a Values-Oriented Versus Standard CBT Rationale on Treatment Perceptions and Anticipated Engagement With Exposure Therapy.

Abstract

Exposure therapy (ET) is a highly effective treatment for anxiety-related disorders but is underutilized and not widely familiar to the public. This study aimed to examine the impact of a values-oriented rationale for ET on perceptions of ET. One hundred and seventy-one participants with elevated anxiety were randomly assigned to either a values-oriented cognitive-behavioral rationale (values) or a standard cognitive-behavioral rationale (standard) for ET. Participants' changes in anticipated willingness to tolerate distress, treatment adherence, and perceived treatment credibility were examined. We found that both rationales led to increases in willingness and credibility; however, no significant differences were found between conditions. Exploratory analyses suggested that participants with stronger, more consistent values rated ET as more credible when assigned to the standard condition. These findings suggest that brief rationales can positively influence initial perceptions of ET, though value-based language may not be more effective than traditional approaches.