A preliminary investigation of the effects of the unified protocol on temperament

Abstract

Previous research has shown that two dimensions of temperament referred to as neuroticism/behavioral inhibition (N/BI) and extraversion/behavioral activation (E/BA) are key risk factors in the development and maintenance of anxiety and mood disorders (Brown & Barlow, 2009). Given such findings, these temperamental dimensions may represent promising treatment targets for individuals with emotional disorders; however, to date, few studies have investigated the effects of psychological treatments on temperamental constructs generally assumed to be "stable, inflexible, and pervasive" (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). The present study addresses this gap in the literature by examining the effects of the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP; Barlow et al., 2011), a cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to target core processes of N/BI and E/BA temperaments, in a sample of adults with principal anxiety disorders and a range of comorbid conditions. Results revealed small effects of the UP on N/BI and E/BA compared with a waitlist control group at post-treatment. Additionally, decreases in N/BI and increases in E/BA during treatment were associated with improvements in symptoms, functioning, and quality of life. Findings provide preliminary support for the notion that the UP treatment facilitates beneficial changes in dimensions of temperament.

Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Figures

Figure 1

Mean BIS scores at pre- and post-treatment in the treatment (UP) and waitlist control (WLC) groups. The possible total score range on the BIS measure is 7-28.

Figure 2

Mean BAS scores at pre- and post-treatment in the treatment (UP) and waitlist control (WLC) groups. The possible total score range on the BAS measure is 13-52.