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Thesis
Examination of believability as a mediator of a novel biological intervention for positive psychotic symptoms on symptom-related distress in schizophrenia
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Sep 2011
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-3723
Abstract
Believability refers to the degree of conviction in the validity of one's subjective experience as reflections of reality. Distress refers to troubling affective reactions to one's experience, and is likely exacerbated by increased believability. Many standard psychological treatments targeting psychotic symptoms include verbal challenges, reality testing, and thought control techniques, and directly or indirectly involve thought suppression and experiential avoidance. Research has demonstrated, however, that such direct cognitive control strategies may increase the frequency of and distress associated with problematic cognitions. Research has further suggested that novel behavior therapy programs that effectively reduce believability without directly challenging or targeting cognitive content can reduce distress associated with, and the functional impact of, positive psychotic symptoms (i.e., hallucinations and delusions). This pilot study, couched within a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm parallel study, examined believability and distress associated with psychotic symptoms in a small sample of inpatients (n=6) in the state hospital system. Participants were assessed at baseline/ day 1, mid-treatment, and post-treatment on 4 distinct measures. Due to the smaller than anticipated sample (4 active drug vs. 2 placebo), formal statistical analyses proposed in the hypotheses were not attempted. Findings revealed only modest associations between believability and positive psychotic symptoms. However, due to small sample size, it cannot be determined whether this association is statistically or clinically significant. Distress did not appear to be associated with believability among these patients. Implications and future directions are discussed.
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Details
- Title
- Examination of believability as a mediator of a novel biological intervention for positive psychotic symptoms on symptom-related distress in schizophrenia
- Creators
- Alexander Geboy - DU
- Contributors
- James D. Herbert (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)Evan M. Forman (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)Richard C. Josiassen (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 3723; 991014632674404721