Nicole Foster
Doctor of Clinical Psychology
Study Completed: 2012
College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Citation
Thesis Title
An Investigation of Early Sudden Gains in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Depression:Client and Within Therapy Predictors of Change
Read article at Massey Research Online: 
Ms. Foster’s research focussed on a pattern of change called sudden gains, where a client shows a large symptom improvement from session-to-session of therapy. Research into this phenomenon has indicated that these changes are associated with better outcomes within and post-therapy. Ms Foster investigated the client factors and within-therapy factors that may predict sudden gains within treatment for depression. In a sample of 26 adults receiving Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, it was found that variables such as a client’s style of thinking prior to and during therapy, and homework beliefs across therapy had an effect on the relationship between sudden gains and improvement in depression across treatment. Ms. Foster recommends that clinicians monitor session-by-session improvement in therapy, and that attributional style and clients’ beliefs around homework are taken into consideration when planning treatmen
Supervisors
Associate Professor Paul Merrick
Associate Professor Richard Fletcher
Associate Professor Heather Kempton