Comparing cognitive coping components: An investigation of treatment outcomes and processes

Both traditional cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy appear to be efficacious treatment packages for adult depression based on past research. Furthermore, some of the cognitive components of these treatments, cognitive restructuring and defusion, seem to produce similar outcomes and work through similar processes, despite theoretical opposition. While cognitive defusion has been extensively studied, its counterpart, willingness, has yet to receive the same level of empirical attention. Therefore, the aim of this study was to clarify the differences in treatment outcomes and processes between the cognitive components of CBT and ACT. Individuals with moderate to severe levels of depression symptoms took part in a week-long, online intervention meant to help them cope with a self-relevant, unwanted/unpleasant thought. Participants were randomly assigned to practice either cognitive restructuring or defusion & willingness by using daily thought logs. Both within-and-between subjects effects were examined and revealed that both interventions provided benefit to participants through shared processes. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed along with future directions.