Background and objectives

Cognitive restructuring (CR) is an effective intervention for hostility. However, the number of patients who fail to benefit suggest that the efficacy of CR can be further improved. The present study investigated whether enhancing CR with mental imagery techniques can increase its efficacy.

Methods

A high hostility sample (28% male, and 72% female) was randomized over one session of imagery enhanced CR (I-CR) (n = 34), traditional CR (n = 32) or an active control session (AC) (n = 21). Changes in hostile beliefs, aggressive tendencies, state anger and hostility traits were assessed pre- and post-treatment, and at one-week follow-up.

Results

Results showed that both I-CR and CR efficaciously reduced hostile beliefs, aggressive tendencies and anger, to a stronger degree than AC. I-CR was more efficacious and sustainable over time than both CR and AC in reducing hostile beliefs and aggressive tendencies.

Limitations

This study was conducted using a small, non-treatment seeking sample.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that implementing imagery techniques in CR for hostile beliefs enhances its’ efficacy.

中文翻译：

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将心理意象纳入认知重构技术对减少敌意的功效：一项随机对照试验

背景和目标

认知重构（CR）是对敌意的有效干预。然而，未能受益的患者数量表明，CR的疗效可以进一步提高。本研究调查了用心理意象技术增强 CR 是否可以提高其功效。

方法

一个高敌意样本（28% 男性和 72% 女性）被随机分配到一个图像增强 CR (I-CR) ( n  = 34)、传统 CR ( n  = 32) 或主动控制会话 (AC) ( n  = 21）。在治疗前后以及一周的随访中评估敌意信念、攻击倾向、状态愤怒和敌意特征的变化。

结果

结果表明，I-CR 和 CR 都比 AC 更有效地减少了敌对信念、攻击倾向和愤怒。随着时间的推移，I-CR 比 CR 和 AC 在减少敌对信念和攻击倾向方面更有效和更可持续。

限制

这项研究是使用一个小的、非治疗寻求样本进行的。

结论

研究结果表明，在 CR 中针对敌对信念实施图像技术可以提高其有效性。