Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT) and Psychodynamic (PDT) Group Psychotherapy and Their Impact on Depressive Symptoms and Hostile Attributions

ABSTRACT

This article examined how intensive group cognitive-behavioral therapy (GCBT) and group psychodynamic psychotherapy (GPDT) modified depressive symptoms and processing of social information (hostility attributions in a variety of ambiguous situations). The sample (N = 37) comprised individuals who were attending psychotherapy due to psychological distress (GCBT or GPDT). The study examined how group psychotherapy influences depression symptoms and social cognition. There was a decrease in depressive symptoms after three months of intensive CBGT, but PDGT did not significantly improve symptoms of depression. Moreover, in both psychotherapies, the authors noted a significant decrease in hostile attributions, mainly in situations involving people with whom one does not have a close relationship.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that there are no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, or publication of this article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Narodowe Centrum Nauki [UMO-2017/26/D/HS6/00258].