An Evaluation of Major Components in a Self-Control Therapy Program for Depression

Abstract

Five conditions were compared in a study attempting to disassemble a behavioral self-control program previously shown to be effective in the treatment of moderate depression. Conditions were: (1) Self-Monitoring only; (2) Self-Monitoring plus Self-Evaluation; (3) Self-Monitoring plus Self-Reinforcement; (4) the full Self-Control package including Self-Monitoring, Self-Evaluation, and Self-Reinforcement; and (5) a Waiting List Control. Fifty-six volunteer female subjects from the community were screened on MMPI and Research Diagnostic Criteria for moderate, nonpsychotic, nonbipolar depression. Therapy was conducted in seven highly structured weekly 11/2 hour group sessions. Results indicated that all treatment conditions did better than the Waiting List controls on self-report and interviewer rating measures of depression. Only minor differences were found on behavioral observation measures taken in interview and group settings. No consistent effects were found for separate components, with the possible exception of a negative effect for the Self-Evaluation component on some measures. Results are discussed in terms of research strategies for assessing therapy programs.

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