Abstract
Prolonged exposure in vivo, cognitive restructuring, and a combined procedure (exposure in vivo preceded by self-instructional training) were compared in a between-groups design. Twenty-seven agoraphobics served as subjects. At the posttest, prolonged exposure in vivo and the combined procedure were found to be significantly superior to cognitive restructuring on the in vivo measure and ratings of phobic anxiety and avoidance. At 1-month follow-up, cognitive restructuring was the only treatment which led to significant improvement on depression (SDS), locus of control (I-E), and assertiveness (ASES). No significant between-groups differences were found at follow-up, except on the ASES. Here cognitive restructuring was found to be significantly superior to exposure in vivo.
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The authors wish to thank F. Albersnagel, who was the independent assessor, and L. Baas, A. Havinga, M. Klitsie, T. Koks, A. Meier, J. van der Plas, M. Schellinger, H. de Vries, and A. Schintz, who served as therapists and who assisted in parts of the study.
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Emmelkamp, P.M.G., Mersch, P.P. Cognition and exposure in vivo in the treatment of agoraphobia: Short-term and delayed effects. Cogn Ther Res 6, 77–90 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01185728
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01185728