Attachment Style and Reflective Functioning in CBASP

Overview

Cognitive behavioural analysis system of psychotherapy (CBASP) is one of the only psychological models and treatments that has been designed specifically for patients diagnosed with chronic depression. CBASP in combination with antidepressants has been found to be the most effective treatment for chronic depression. Despite an increasing amount of research into this intervention, researchers are less aware of the role that specific and common ingredients are accounted for in outcomes. Given that CBASP is a treatment model endorsed by the National Health Service Scotland (NHS Scotland), gaining a deeper knowledge and understanding about the active ingredients involved in their success ensures current practice is embedded in an evidence base. Conducting this research adds to the gap in the literature and identifies areas in which further exploration is warranted. Given the emphasis on therapist variables in relation to treatment outcomes, the results of this research will have wider implications from a service resource perspective. Training may be altered or needs emphasised in line with the results of the study to ensure most efficacious outcomes. Limited research has looked at therapist and client variables that may contribute to therapeutic alliance/engagement, and clinical outcomes. The current study proposes to explore two variables that are hypothesized to contribute to outcomes based on the theoretical framework CBASP is grounded on, namely therapist and client attachment style and reflective functioning. This will be done by providing CBASP to a small number of participants and gathering outcome data from therapists and clients at each therapy appointment. Participants will also complete the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI), a semi structured interview which can also be coded for reflective functioning. This is a proof of concept case series design that aims to provide an analysis of individual psychological change in relation to the above variables of interest.

CBASP will consist of treatment of usual (i.e. one one-hour individual sessions on a weekly basis for up to 20 weeks) with additional outcome measures to be completed at each session. Therapists will receive a research pack which will outline when, and what, measures to administer and complete. To ensure anonymity and confidentiality of data collected, participants will be given identification numbers before data is submitted to a spread sheet for analysis. 9 CBASP therapists have been identified as suitable for participation in this study. Therapists will have the option to choose whether to take part in the research. Similarly, clients will be given the choice to take part in the research. To ensure at least one set of outcomes are achieved it is an aim of the study to provide the therapist with a minimum caseload of 2.