At a glance
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A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Attachment Based Approach for Anxiety and Depression, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals and Self-Help CBT Training for Depression, Anxiety. Completed, enrolled 88 participants across 3 sites in 2 countries.
Detailed Summary
The purpose of the current study is to examine the efficacy of Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals (EFIT) as a treatment for depression and anxiety. It is formulated as a trans-diagnostic treatment in line with the call for more transdiagnostic approaches to treat depression and anxiety given the many similarities in the underlying psychological and emotional factors of these disorders, the high levels of co-morbidity, and the preliminary success of transdiagnostic treatment approaches. EFIT has been formulated as an attachment-based alternative to current cognitive transdiagnostic approaches. The strong evidence for insecure attachment as an underlying factor in psychopathology, especially depression and anxiety, positions this theory well as a foundational principle to support psychotherapy for these conditions. EFIT has been formulated for the first time this year in the book that will serve as the therapy manual for this study. The current study aims to examine EFIT outcomes as compared to a control group (a wait-list control followed by online CBT intervention after the wait period). In particular, this research project aims to distinguish differences in initial and follow-up outcomes between EFIT versus control, and demonstrate significant changes in attachment/emotions and mechanisms of change across EFIT sessions. The primary hypotheses are outlined below.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals (EFIT) is formulated as a transdiagnostic treatment to treat depression and anxiety, adapted from the well-studied Emotionally Focused Therapy. EFIT has been formulated as an attachment-based alternative to current cognitive approaches (e.g., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). The strong evidence for insecure attachment as an underlying factor in psychopathology, especially depression and anxiety, positions this theory well as a foundational principle to support psychotherapy for these conditions.
Individuals in the Waitlist Control Group will receive access to MoodGym, a self-help online program that helps teach CBT interventions. This access will last 15 weeks and is self-driven, meaning participants proceed through the program at their own pace.