Background: Research findings suggested that people with mental disorders show a dysfunctional upregulation of negative affect (NA) but at the same time a dysfunctional downregulation of positive affect (PA) as distinct processes. Nevertheless, established treatment approaches focus on the modification of problems and negative affect only. Experimental paradigms with healthy and subclinical populations showed that PA inductions lead to higher flexibility in information processing, cognitive appraisal and action tendencies. Higher amounts of PA were associated with more personal resources, higher psychological resilience and subjective well-being. Preliminary evidence indicated that a focus on positive and functional aspects in the life of patients lead to better treatment sessions and outcome. However, the role of PA for the process in cognitive behavioral therapy remains unclear. Method/Design: In regard to this we developed the PACIfIC-study, serving the following objectives: (1) to explore the trajectories of PA and NA and their association with relevant process variables in an early phase of CBT treatment. (2) To develop and test the feasibility of a brief and easily implementable intervention to promote PA in psychotherapy sessions. (3) To analyze the impact of this intervention on the therapeutic process between and within CBT sessions and intermediate outcomes. The study includes a randomized contolled, longitudinal design in an outpatient research and treatment center. Both a process and an intervention analysis will be conducted. In the process analysis, we will examine the course of PA and NA in the first twelve sessions of CBT treatments. In the intervention analysis, we will examine the effects of a six-minute positive mental imagery intervention during an early phase of psychotherapy. The aim of this micro-intervention is to foster patients' in-session PA, which may lead to increased levels of subjective resources, resilience, and self-esteem (theory-driven outcome) as well as improvements in psychopathology and working alliance (secondary outcome). Discussion: The study results may have important theoretical and practical implications on the use of PA in psychotherapeutic treatment. Furthermore an economic implementation of strengths-oriented interventions in psychotherapy practice may be initiated.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) -session questionnaire-
Timeframe: Baseline; measured once per week for twelve weeks of treatment, directly after each session
Witten Resource Questionnaire (WIRF) -change measurement-
Timeframe: Baseline, mid-4 (after four weeks), mid-8 (after eight weeks), post-12 (after twelve weeks of treatment)
Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-Risc) -change measurement-
Timeframe: Baseline, mid-4 (after four weeks), mid-8 (after eight weeks), post-12 (after twelve weeks of treatment)
Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES) -change measurement-
Timeframe: Baseline, mid-4 (after four weeks), mid-8 (after eight weeks), post-12 (after twelve weeks of treatment)