Normative data on cognitive measures of depression.

The assessment of cognition and cognitive change is important for case conceptualization, monitoring the efficacy of specific interventions, and evaluating treatment outcome in cognitive-behavioral therapy. Unfortunately, a paucity of normative data exists on cognitive measures used for psychotherapy outcome research in depression, and little information is available to guide a practitioner\u27s understanding of the magnitude and clinical significance of a patient\u27s cognitive change. This article presents normative data on 6 self-report instruments that assess negative and positive automatic thoughts, hopelessness, cognitive biases and errors, and dysfunctional attitudes. Normative data were derived from studies published from the date of inception of a given cognitive index to the year 2000. Recommendations for the use of these normative data are provided

Measuring Cognitive Errors: Initial Development of the Cognitive Distortions Scale (CDS)

The ability to assess and correct biases in thinking is central to cognitive-behavioral therapy. Although measures of cognitive distortions exist, no measure comprehensively assesses the cognitive errors that are typically cited in the literature. The development and initial validation of the Cognitive Distortions Scale (CDS), a questionnaire that measures the tendency to make 10 cognitive distortions (e.g., mindreading, catastrophizing, all-or-nothing thinking) as they occur in interpersonal and achievement domains, is described. Across two studies, undergraduate students (n = 318) completed the CDS and other clinically relevant measures. The CDS and its two subscales appear to exhibit good psychometric properties; however, a factor analysis supported the use of a one-factor solution. Additional analyses suggested that some errors occur more frequently in some domains than others and that some errors may have more clinical significance than others. Notwithstanding issues inherent in measuring cognitive errors, and study limitations, the CDS appears to be a promising new measure of cognitive distortion, with good research and clinical potential

A meta-analysis of CBT for pathological worry among clients with GAD.

Previous meta-analyses assessing the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) used general measures of anxiety to assess symptom severity and improvement (e.g., Hamilton Anxiety Ratings Scale or a composite measure of anxiety). While informative, these studies do not provide sufficient evidence as to whether CBT significantly reduces the cardinal symptom of GAD: pathological worry. The current meta-analysis employed stringent inclusion criteria to evaluate relevant outcome studies, including the use of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire as the main outcome variable. Results showed a large overall effect size (ES) that was moderated by age and modality of treatment. Specifically, the largest gains were found for younger adults and for individual treatment. Analyses also revealed overall maintenance of gains at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Clinical implications of different treatment packages are discussed, as well as potential explanations for the differential effectiveness of CBT

Competitive strategy in socially entrepreneurial nonprofit organizations: innovation and differentiation

Social entrepreneurship has attracted an increasing volume of research in an attempt to understand the basis of successful value creation aimed at solving social problems. In an effort to advance social entrepreneurship research beyond its current focus on conceptualizing the concept, this article addresses the role of innovation in achieving greater social impact. Using multiple theoretical case studies, this research finds that innovation-based competitive strategies of socially entrepreneurial nonprofit organizations substantially contribute to the achievement of social value. Innovation-based strategies are uniquely characterized by a primary focus on differentiation, with innovations directed at product, process, and system change levels. They tend to actively involve both externally and internally focused learning. Nonprofit organizations' innovation strategies are strongly influenced by their organizational characteristics, in particular the need to build sustainable organizations. The article concludes with implications for theory and practice and directions for further research