Integration of the Cognitive-Behavioural Model and Theory of Planned Behaviour in the Understanding of the Process of Changing Thinking Patterns: Exploring Mechanisms of Change in a Depression Prevention Workshop

Abstract

Despite the growing need for depression prevention programming for university students, few programs exist and those that do are too resource-intensive for broad dissemination. Furthermore, limited research has been conducted on mechanisms of change in CBT-based prevention programs and similar research conducted on CBT for depression demonstrates mixed findings. Therefore, there is a need to incorporate a formal model of health-behaviour change in prevention (and intervention) programs to clarify mechanisms of change and improve outcomes, such as the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). This series of studies developed and tested a formal CBT-TPB “hybrid” model to predict intention to change thinking patterns and a brief depression prevention program for university students and to examine the program’s potential to change the hypothesized constructs in the hybrid model. Results indicated support for the hybrid model, in that TPB factors predict intention to change thinking patterns. In addition, across an open and randomized control trial, my “Start Making a Change” intervention promotes change in TPB factors, as well as improvement in relevant CBT and well-being outcomes. The implication of this work is that brief, easy-to-disseminate, programs, based on a formal model of change, can effectively, at least in the short term, target and change important risk factors for depression onset in university students.