Mieke Sachsenweger

Doctor of Clinical Psychology
Study Completed: 2010
College of Humanities & Social Sciences

Citation

Thesis Title
The impact of attributional style and homework experiences in cognitive behaviour therapy for depression: A longitudinal investigation employing multilevel analysis

Read article at Massey Research Online: MRO icon

Ms Sachsenweger’s research investigated the relationship between negative thinking and homework compliance in adults undertaking cognitive behaviour therapy, and the effects on depression over time. Ms Sachsenweger’s study was one of the first in this area to employ advanced multilevel modelling techniques. She found that while a pessimistic thinking style did influence the relationship between homework and depression outcome, the relationship between homework and depression was not as central as past research suggested. Ms Sachsenweger’s thesis recommends that clinicians consider flexible methods for the measurement and administration of homework, and that while discussing homework is important, completion of written tasks outside of therapy may not be the central ingredient for improvement.

Supervisors
Dr Dave Clarke
Associate Professor Richard Fletcher