SENSKY ET AL (2000)- INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CBT

Question 1

What was the aim of sensky et al (2000) study?

Answer 1

To investigate whether the effectiveness of CBT in treating schizophrenia is due to the therapy itself or the one-to-one interaction

Question 2

What methods did Sensky et al (2000) use?

Answer 2

• Randomised controlled trial/ independent measures design
• Longitudinal design
• Experimental group- recieved the CBT treatment
• Control group- enaged in the ‘befriending condition’

Question 3

What was the ‘brefriending’ condition?

Answer 3

• Informal one to one session discussing hobbies, sports, or current affairs.

Question 4

Describe the sample of Sensky et al (2000) study?

Answer 4

• 90 patients
• Diagnosis: Treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
• 16-60 years old.

Question 5

Longitudinal design?

Answer 5

• Ppts were assessed with numerous standardised assessment scales such as Comprehensive Psychiatric Rating Scale (CPRS) & Assessment of Negative Symptoms (AONS) before the treatment, 9 months post-treatment.

Question 6

What controls did Sensky et al (2000) use?

Answer 6

• Standardised assessment scales (reduces variability)
• Random allocation (reduces ppt variables)
• Single-blind procedure (reduces bias)
• Training/ monitoring of the (same) nurses

Question 7

Describe Sensky et al (2000) procedure)?

Answer 7

1. Experimental group- recieved the CBT- discussed onset, specific symptoms, joint challenging of distorted beliefs (nature/ orgin of voices in thoes experiencing hallucinations). Kept voice diaries to record what they were hearing in order to generate coping mechanisms.
2. Control group- brefriending condition

Question 8

What scales were used?

Answer 8

Comprehensive Psychiatric Rating Scale/ Scale for Negative Symptoms

Question 9

Results?

Answer 9

• immediatley both groups showed a signficant reduction in positive and negative symptoms.
• However, only the experimental group who recieved the CBT sustained the improvments 9 months after the study.

Question 10

Conclusion?

Answer 10

CBT is an effective treatment for the pos/neg treatments, and these benefits are sustained for at least 9 months post-treatment

Question 11

Is Sensky et al’s study an example of the nomethetic or ideographic approach?

Answer 11

• Nomothetic approach- (aims to make generalisations about the effectiveness of treatment based on a large data sets).