Narrative-Emotion Process Markers in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Abstract

According to a narrative-emotion informed psychotherapy approach, individuals enter psychotherapy when their narratives lack flexibility and emotional coherence. Effective psychotherapy helps clients in creating a self-narrative that enables new meaning-making. The Narrative-Emotion Process Coding System Version 2.0 is a measure that consists of 10 markers that are classified into three subgroups: problem, transition, and change markers. The present study applied the NEPCS to therapy sessions (36 sessions) of a client sample (N = 6) engaging in cognitive behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Statistical analyses were conducted using two-level random intercepts regression models. Findings are discussed in the context of GAD research.