Group treatment with divorced females using cognitive restructuring and imagery methods

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of cognitive restructuring therapy, a derivative of the Rational Emotive Therapy school of thought, in group counseling with recently divorced females. Twelve clients were assigned to the cognitive restructuring group, while twelve clients were assigned to a psychodynamic based insight oriented group. Twenty-two subjects were assigned to two control groups. Differences between pre-test and post-test, and pre-test and follow-up scores on four measures, including depression measures, self-esteem, and personality measures were taken. Cognitive restructuring and insight oriented therapy were successful in assessed subject improvement, however cognitive restructuring was more effective in follow-up treatment on all criterion measures except for traitlike depression.