A Study on the Impact of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Psychological Disorders: A Meta-Analysis Based on 32 Experimental Studies - read online

Sep 5, 2026

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Objective evaluates cognitive behavioral therapy as a widely used psychological intervention while addressing gaps in evidence on differences in effectiveness across psychological disorders and between online and offline delivery. Method applies meta-analysis to systematically synthesize 32 CBT experimental studies using quantitative procedures. Results report a combined effect size of 0.373 under a random-effects model, indicating a moderate positive impact. Conclusions show no significant differences across disorder types; online CBT is less effective for anxiety disorders than offline CBT, while other disorders show comparable effectiveness.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time28 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy background

Evidence across disorder types

Online vs offline CBT research gap

International Journal of Social Science Research and Review [http://ijssrr.com](http://ijssrr.com)[ ](http://ijssrr.com)[editor@ijssrr.com](editor@ijssrr.com)[ ](editor@ijssrr.com)Volume 7, Issue 9 September, 2024 Pages: 140-150 A Study on the Impact of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Psychological Disorders: A Meta-Analysis Based on 32 Experimental Studies Yinan Zhang, Xing Gao Peking University, China E-mail: [gaoxing0118@163.com](gaoxing0118@163.com) [http://dx.doi.org/10.47814/ijssrr.v7i9.2224](http://dx.doi.org/10.47814/ijssrr.v7i9.2224) Abstract Objective: Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most mainstream psychological intervention methods at present. However, there are few studies on the differences in the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for different psychological disorders, as well as the differences between the effectiveness of online and offline cognitive behavioral therapy. Method: This paper makes a systematic quantitative analysis of 32 CBT experimental studies by using the meta-analysis method. Results: The results showed that the combined effect size of the random effects model was 0.373. Conclusions: The statistically significant level, indicating that cognitive behavioral therapy had a moderate positive effect on psychological disorders. There is no significant difference in the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on different psychological disorders. Online CBT was less effective than offline CBT for anxiety disorders, and there was no significant difference in the effectiveness of online and offline CBT interventions for other psychological disorders. Therefore, CBT can be an effective option to intervene in psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. Keywords: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Meta-Analysis Psychological Disorders Introduction Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a specialized psychological intervention that combines cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. It aims to alleviate negative emotions by gradually transforming irrational beliefs and behaviors, thereby improving patients' emotional well-being. CBT emphasizes increasing the flexibility of thinking processes and behaviors to better cope with challenges. Over the years, CBT has been problem-oriented, offering personalized interventions for various emotional issues and behavioral disorders such as cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and daily relaxation activities. Research has found that CBT has significant therapeutic effects on a variety of anxiety and depressive symptoms, especially for anxiety disorders, with an overall effect size of 0.25 according to a meta- A Study on the Impact of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Psychological Disorders: A Meta-Analysis Based on 32 Experimental Studies 140 International Journal of Social Science Research and Review Volume 7, Issue 9 September, 2024 analysis (Roshanaei-Moghaddam et al., 2011) . The overall treatment response rate for anxiety disorders averages at 49.5% post-treatment and 53.6% at follow-up (Loerinc et al., 2015) . Regarding depression, a meta-analysis indicates an average effect size of 0.28 (Keles & Idsoe, 2018) . Additionally, CBT has shown some intervention effects on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) . Over ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one meta-analysis have demonstrated that group or individual CBT can reduce core ADHD symptoms and comorbidities, such as emotional dysregulation, anxiety, and depression, while also improving functional impairments in various areas of daily life for adults with ADHD (Jensen, Amdisen, Rgensen, & Arnfred, 2016) . In terms of reducing anger outbursts and recidivism among adult males, CBT-based treatments effectively reduce the risk of reoffending, particularly in cases of violent recidivism, with an overall impact of 0.72, indicating a risk reduction of 28%(Henwood et al., 2015) . Furthermore, for individuals with morbid obesity, a study de

FAQs

What is the study’s primary objective?

To examine the impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on psychological disorders, compare effectiveness across different disorders, and evaluate differences between online and offline CBT.

How was the analysis conducted?

The paper uses a meta-analysis method to systematically and quantitatively analyze 32 CBT experimental studies.

What do the results and conclusions indicate about CBT effectiveness?

CBT shows a moderate positive effect overall, with no significant differences across psychological disorders; online CBT is less effective than offline CBT for anxiety disorders, while other disorders do not show significant differences.

Sep 5, 2026

Uploaded by Anda