Positive Affect and Mental Imagery in the Process of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Positive Affect and Mental Imagery in the Process of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: the PACIfIC-Study

Background: Research findings suggested that persons with mental disorders show a dysfunctional upregulation of negative affect (NA) but at the same time a dysfunctional downregulation of positive affect (PA) as distinct processes. Nevertheless, established treatment approaches focus on the modification of problems and negative affect only. Experimental paradigms with healthy and subclinical populations showed that PA inductions lead to higher flexibility in information processing, cognitive appraisal and action tendencies. Higher amounts of PA were associated with more personal resources, higher psychological resilience and subjective well-being. Preliminary evidence indicated that a focus on positive and functional aspects in the life of patients lead to better treatment sessions and outcome. However, the role of PA for the process in cognitive behavioral therapy remains unclear. Method/Design: In regard to this we developed the PACIfIC-study, serving two major objectives: (1) to explore the trajectories of PA and NA and their association with relevant process variables in an early phase of CBT treatment. (2) To develop and test the feasibility of a brief and easily implementable intervention to promote PA in psychotherapy sessions. (3) To analyze the impact of this intervention on the therapeutic process between and within CBT sessions and intermediate outcomes. The study includes a randomized contolled, longitudinal design in a outpatient research and treatment center. Two mental imagery interventions are conducted in the first eight therapeutic sessions of each treatment. Outcomes were raised by self-rating questionnaires and video-analysis. Discussion: The study results may have important theoretical and practical implications on the use of PA in psychotherapeutic treatment. Furthermore an economic implementation of strengths-oriented interventions in psychotherapy practice may be initiated.

Positive Affect and Mental Imagery in the Process of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

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