Contemporary Study: Williams et al 2013
Does internet-base cbt help people with depression?
aims:
To investigate the impact of a seven-day internet-delivered, ‘imagery-based cognitive bias
modification’ (CBM-I) on negative thinking bias, distress and depressive symptoms.
The researchers also aimed to see whether this intervention would improve the effectiveness of online
CBT.
method:
Participants were recruited by a clinic based in Sydney, Australia.
Completed an online screening questionnaire and then a diagnostic interview by phone.
Resulted in 69 participants who were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (n=38) or the ‘wait-
list’ control group (WLC) (n=31).
End of study there were only 20 and 22 left in each group.
Baseline measures were taken of depressive symptoms, distress, degree of disability, anxiety and repetitive
negative thinking of all participants.
Done via short structured phone interviews and a variety of questionnaires including the Beck Depression
Inventory, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the AST-D.
No significant difference between the 2 groups.
All participants rated how logical the programmes seemed and the extent to which they thought each would
be useful on a 4 point scale.
Intervention group completed 7 days CBM-I while the other group went about their daily lives.
All participants then completed the questionnaires again.
Intervention group then completed the 10 week iCBT course and were assessed, whilst the WLC group
continued to ‘wait’ for treatment.
All participants completed the questionnaire again.
WLC group commenced the same 10 week iCBT treatment but without the CBM-I.
No face to face contact in the treatment or assessments.
All participants rated their satisfaction with the programme on a 5 point scale.
cbm-i:
Involves 20 minute sessions for 1 week. Repeatedly present with the ambiguous scenarios which are resolved
in a positive manner. Aim to train user to think more positively.
iCBt:
The Sadness Program with 6 online lessons each showcasing ‘best practice CBT’ including regular homework
assignments and access to additional resources.
Does internet-base cbt help people with depression?
aims:
To investigate the impact of a seven-day internet-delivered, ‘imagery-based cognitive bias
modification’ (CBM-I) on negative thinking bias, distress and depressive symptoms.
The researchers also aimed to see whether this intervention would improve the effectiveness of online
CBT.
method:
Participants were recruited by a clinic based in Sydney, Australia.
Completed an online screening questionnaire and then a diagnostic interview by phone.
Resulted in 69 participants who were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (n=38) or the ‘wait-
list’ control group (WLC) (n=31).
End of study there were only 20 and 22 left in each group.
Baseline measures were taken of depressive symptoms, distress, degree of disability, anxiety and repetitive
negative thinking of all participants.
Done via short structured phone interviews and a variety of questionnaires including the Beck Depression
Inventory, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the AST-D.
No significant difference between the 2 groups.
All participants rated how logical the programmes seemed and the extent to which they thought each would
be useful on a 4 point scale.
Intervention group completed 7 days CBM-I while the other group went about their daily lives.
All participants then completed the questionnaires again.
Intervention group then completed the 10 week iCBT course and were assessed, whilst the WLC group
continued to ‘wait’ for treatment.
All participants completed the questionnaire again.
WLC group commenced the same 10 week iCBT treatment but without the CBM-I.
No face to face contact in the treatment or assessments.
All participants rated their satisfaction with the programme on a 5 point scale.
cbm-i:
Involves 20 minute sessions for 1 week. Repeatedly present with the ambiguous scenarios which are resolved
in a positive manner. Aim to train user to think more positively.
iCBt:
The Sadness Program with 6 online lessons each showcasing ‘best practice CBT’ including regular homework
assignments and access to additional resources.
