Recent research: half a dozen studies on aspects of CBT
11th September 2008
Here are half a dozen recent research studies broadly on aspects of cognitive-behavioural therapy - computer delivery for addiction, a couple on therapist competence, CBT for compulsive shopping, a systematic review of CBT and chronic fatigue syndrome, and a broad based depression education and problem solving intervention for people suffering …
Autism research centre
10th September 2008
I spent a bit of time exploring Cambridge University's Autism Research Centre (ARC) website recently. It's fascinating and helpful in so many ways. ARC apparently has over 30 research scientists and support staff. The website links to a series of freely downloadable research papers and assessment questionnaires. One of the …
Handouts & questionnaires for assessing & building good relationship networks
8th September 2008
Relationships are crucial. They are crucial in promoting resilience to stress, and they are crucial in enhancing wellbeing and happiness. Research suggests that all three of social support, social integration and (inversely) social conflict contribute to self-esteem and health. The relationship questionnaire & scoring provides a helpful way of assessing …
Goal setting and wellbeing
7th September 2008
It has seemed likely for some time that skilful goal setting boosts wellbeing. A couple of small recent research studies from the Department of Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London reinforce this understanding (MacLeod, Coates et al. 2008). Wellbeing was assessed by an often used conglomerate measure which adds …
Self-determination theory
6th September 2008
I'm a big fan of Self-Determination Theory (SDT). SDT is a general theory of motivation and personality that has evolved over the past three decades. SDT suggests that humans, like plants or other animals, intrinsically 'strive' for need satisfaction & flourishing. Social context and personal choices can support or thwart …
Recent research: exercise, diet, and smoking
4th September 2008
There are a series of interesting recent research studies here highlighting the drastic reduction in physical exercise taken by young people as they move into their teenage years, the fascinating protective association between muscular strength and mortality in men even allowing for cardiorespiratory fitness and other potentially confounding factors, the …
Some mindfulness resources on the internet
3rd September 2008
There was an interesting request on JISCmail (see note below), the listserv for BABCP cognitive-behavioural therapists, asking about podcasts on mindfulness. Several people wrote in with useful suggestions. These included: I don't know if this is exactly what you are looking for, but you can listen to Matthiew Richard on …
Handouts & questionnaires for panic, agoraphobia & depersonalization
1st September 2008
I've been working on the 'Panic & depersonalization' handouts list in the Good Knowledge section of this website. The list contains most of the handouts and questionnaires I currently use when working with people suffering from panic disorder, agoraphobia or depersonalization/ derealization disorder. Here they are with brief descriptions: Panic …