| Abstract [eng] |
This study examined changes in the skills used by patients participating in a 6-week dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) program, as well as changes in emotion regulation difficulties and dysfunctional coping strategies throughout treatment. Eighteen patients participated in the first phase of the study (mean age = 29.61, SD = 8.8), while nine patients participated in the second phase (mean age = 30, SD = 3.29). Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS; Gratz & Roemer, 2004) and the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Ways of Coping Checklist (DBT-WCCL; Neacsiu et al., 2010) were used. Statistical analyses indicated that, following therapy, patients reported more frequent use of DBT skills and less frequent use of dysfunctional coping strategies. Participants also demonstrated fewer difficulties in lack of emotional awareness and clarity at the end of treatment. In both phases of the study, greater use of DBT skills was negatively associated with limited access to emotion regulation strategies. Compared with the general population, the clinical sample exhibited significantly greater difficulties in dysfunctional coping, non-acceptance of emotional responses, emotional awareness, emotional clarity, and access to emotion regulation strategies. |
