Study on the Effectiveness of Journaling As an Add-on to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Last updated: March 4, 2025
Sponsor: University Hospital Tuebingen
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Affective Disorders

Stimulant Use Disorder

Tourette's Syndrome

Treatment

Journaling

Treatment as Usual (TAU)

Clinical Study ID

NCT06863909
611/2024BO2
  • Ages 18-65
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The aim of the present study is to examine the effects of keeping a therapy journal (journaling) on the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Homework assignments are a fundamental component of behavioral therapies. In line with the learning theory foundation of behavioral therapies, various types of homework are used to facilitate learning processes between therapy sessions and to enable patients to make progress. One way to enhance individual goal setting and reflection in patients is through the use of "therapy journals."

The goal of the planned project is to evaluate the effectiveness of goal-oriented journal writing as an additional element in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). To do this, N = 80 psychotherapy patients will be randomly assigned to two treatment groups: CBT vs. CBT

  • Journaling.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • patients in ambulant cognitive behavioral therapy

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • none

Study Design

Total Participants: 80
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Journaling
Phase:
Study Start date:
November 20, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
December 31, 2026

Study Description

As part of this study, the investigators are examining the effectiveness of certain therapeutic techniques that could improve the effectiveness of psychotherapy. A total of 80 patients will be studied, and they will be assigned to one of two treatment groups: one group will receive standard treatment, while the second group will receive additional tasks/techniques. The study will span a period of 24 sessions (short-term psychotherapy KZT1&2), during which the severity of their symptoms will be assessed at the beginning of each session (duration approx. 2 minutes). Additionally, participants will be asked to answer some questions about basic documentation (diagnoses, symptoms) at the beginning and end of the study (duration approx. 20 minutes).

The investigators assure that the personal data they collect will be protected in accordance with the European Data Protection Regulation. Collected data will only be analyzed in anonymized form, meaning without mentioning any names, and may be published in scientific journals. All data will be stored in encrypted form using personal codes. All data will be digitally archived for a period of 10 years on a well-secured drive at the University Hospital Tübingen; only the study leaders (Dr. Rosenbaum and Dr. Ehlis) are authorized to re-identify the data. The investigators would like to inform that the collected data will not be used for diagnostic purposes regarding possible pathological changes. There are no health risks associated with this study, and while it is unlikely to benefit personally from it, the participation will contribute to scientific knowledge.

Connect with a study center

  • University Hospital Tübingen, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

    Tübingen, 72076
    Germany

    Active - Recruiting

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