Integrative Review on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Chronic Diseases: The Responses Predictors

Background: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a self-management strategy used by patients with chronic diseases. Studies consistently report the effectiveness of this therapy in managing symptoms and improving patients’ quality of life. However, evidence also shows that not all patients benefit from the therapy.

Methods: This article presents findings from an integrative review of studies published between 2010 and 2014 that investigated outcome predictors of CBT in chronic illness. The use of CBT in psychological disorders was excluded from the review.

Result: Eleven studies were included into this review. Every study supported the effectiveness of CBT for both immediate and long-term outcomes. The intervention components of CBT used in these studies were varied in the number and duration of sessions and the methods of identifying the effectiveness of the CBT. Most studies investigated the significant predictability of the psychological variables. Only one study investigated physiological predictors, and none investigated biological predictors.

Conclusion: This result highlighted the importance of consistency in the CBT components and methods used to identify the effectiveness of therapy. Furthermore, including physical and biological predictors of CBT outcomes is warranted, specifically in patients with a chronic illness.

Keywords: Cognitive behavioral therapy; Outcome predictors; Chronic diseases