Readiness to change as a moderator of outcome in transdiagnostic treatment

James F. Boswell, Shannon E. Sauer-Zavala, Matthew W. Gallagher, Nicole K. Delgado, David H. Barlow

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

Initial symptom severity is a client characteristic associated with psychotherapy outcome, although this relationship is not well-understood. Readiness to change is a factor that may influence this relationship. This study tested readiness as a moderator of the relationship between initial severity and symptom change. Data were derived from an RCT examining the efficacy of a transdiagnostic CBT treatment. Readiness was assessed with the URICA, and symptom and functioning outcomes were assessed. Multiple regression models indicated that severity was associated with less overall change, yet readiness moderated this relationship. At higher levels of readiness, the effect of initial severity on outcome was essentially reversed; for clients with higher initial readiness, higher levels of severity were associated with greater change.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)570-578
Number of pages9
JournalPsychotherapy Research
Volume22
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2012

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Supported by a grant (R34 MH070693) from the National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD.

Keywords

  • anxiety treatment
  • psychotherapy outcome
  • stage of change

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology

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