The mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy adherence scale: inter‐rater reliability, adherence to protocol and treatment distinctiveness
Zindel V. Segal, John D. Teasdale, Jane Williams, Michael Gemar
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy March 1, 2002 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.320 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA 17-item scale, the Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Adherence Scale (MBCT-AS), was developed to measure how closely therapists follow the MBCT protocol for preventing recurrence of major depressive disorder. The scale assesses behaviors specific to MBCT and those shared with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Independent ratings of recorded group sessions showed that raters could use the MBCT-AS reliably, MBCT therapists adhered to the protocol, and MBCT could be distinguished from CBT on both the MBCT-AS and a CBT adherence scale. The MBCT-AS may help ensure proper delivery of MBCT in future research and identify unique elements of the treatment.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational (scale development and validation) Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Therapists delivering group MBCT and group CBT for Major Depressive Disorder |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Psychotherapist Clinical psychology Cognition Psychiatry |
| Citations | 420 |
| Key finding | The MBCT-AS can be used reliably, MBCT therapists adhered to the protocol, and MBCT is distinguishable from CBT on adherence measures. |
Abstract
Abstract The development of the Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy Adherence Scale (MBCT‐AS) is described. This 17‐item scale measures therapist adherence to the treatment protocol for Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), a treatment for the prevention of recurrence in Major Depressive Disorder. The MBCT‐AS assesses therapist behaviours specific to (MBCT) as well as therapy practices that MBCT shares with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). To determine the utility of this scale, we compared delivery of group MBCT against group CBT, with independent ratings of taped sessions provided to measure adherence to MBCT and CBT for therapists in both groups. The results showed that: (a) raters can reliably use the MBCT‐AS; (b) MBCT therapists demonstrated adherence to the treatment protocol, as measured by the MBCT‐AS; and (c) MBCT is distinguishable from CBT on both the MBCT‐AS and a scale measuring adherence to CBT (CBT‐AS). These findings indicate that the MBCT‐AS may be a useful tool for ensuring the proper delivery of MBCT in future research, and may be helpful in determining the elements of MBCT that are unique to that treatment. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.