Comparing the Mechanism of Change of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Emotion Efficacy Therapy in Improving Psychological Adjustment of Women With Breast Cancer: The Role of Cognitive and Emotional Flexibility, Illness Perception, and Valued Action Publisher



Mazloom M¹ ; Mohammadkhani S¹ ; Akbari M¹ ; Hasani J¹ ; Esfandbod M²
Source: International Journal of Cognitive Therapy Published:2023

Abstract

This study intended to identify the mechanism of change of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as emotion efficacy therapy (EET) in the psychological adjustment of women with breast cancer (WBC). This multicenter quasi-experimental study includes two experimental and a waiting list control group. Thirty-four WBC completed outcome and potential mechanism measures. The experimental participants attended ten weekly group sessions. All data analysis was performed according to the analysis of covariance. There was a significant improvement in psychological adjustment in the CBT (t = 12.88; P = 0.016) and the EET group (t = 2.52; P = 0.028). The examination of the mechanism of change measures demonstrated the significant role of cognitive and emotional flexibility in both experimental groups including CBT and EET. There was a significant interaction between valued action and EET (t = − 4.97; P = 0.001); not for CBT (t = − 0.62; P = 0.549), while the significant role of illness perception was restricted to the CBT group (ranged from t = 15.08, P = 0.000, for the cognition subscale, to t = 6.25, P = 0.001, for the treatment control subscale). Given that both CBT and EET are concerning cognitive and emotional flexibility as the mechanism of change in the psychological adjustment of WBC, considering these transdiagnostic variables for psychological symptoms in WBC is crucial. © 2023, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.