Abstract:

Memory specificity training (MEST) or self-distancing (SD) has been associated with improving symptoms of depression. The aim was to compare the efficacy of group CBT with MEST and SD (group A) with group CBT with MEST (group B) in depressed adults and establish the relationships between memory specificity improvement and changes in low mood (BDI-II), rumination (RRS), problem solving (PSI) and suppression (WBSI). Method was to recruit participants from advertisements, 120 fulfilled the inclusion criteria, consented and block randomised to either group. Fifty-five participants from each group (N=110) completed treatment. Results from parametric tests showed group A was statistically significant on all dependent variables, memory specificity (AMS), BDI-II, RRS, PSI, WBSI compared to group B at post-treatment and three month follow-up. Group A was clinically significant on the BDI-II score sat post-treatment. Test of association at three months follow-up showed AMS improvements was independent of improvements in all the other dependent variables A multiple regression analysis confirmed that only RRS had a significant mediating effect on AMS changes. Discussion, group A was more effective for depression than group B, indicating that SD enhanced both MEST and CBT. That AMS may improve mood partly by directly improving rumination. Limitations, not fully blind, no independent therapists, low frequency of supervision checking manual adherence, no SCID, follow-up period short and reduced generalis ability. Future research could repeat this study by recruiting participants from mental health clinics, improve blinding, use SCID, frequent supervision and independent therapists.

Keywords: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Memory Specificity Training, Self-Distancing.

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