RT Article
T1 A meta-analysis on cognitive distortions and externalizing problem behavior: associations, moderators, and treatment effectiveness
JF Criminal justice and behavior
VO 42
IS 3
SP 245
OP 262
A1 Helmond, Petra
A2 Overbeek, Geertjan
A2 Brugman, Daniel
A2 Gibbs, John C.
LA English
YR 2015
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1885233248
AB Cognitive distortions are an important focus in many investigations and treatments of externalizing problem behavior, such as antisocial, delinquent, and aggressive behavior. Yet the overall strength of the association between cognitive distortions and externalizing behavior is unknown. Furthermore, it is unknown whether interventions can effectively reduce cognitive distortions and subsequently externalizing behavior. To fill these gaps, we conducted a meta-analysis of 71 studies on 20,685 participants. Results showed a medium to large effect size (d = .70) for the association between cognitive distortions and externalizing behavior. Interventions had a small effect (d = .27) on reducing cognitive distortions. In a subset of intervention studies that incorporated both cognitive distortions and externalizing behavior, however, neither cognitive distortions nor externalizing behavior were effectively reduced. Hence, although cognitive distortions are substantially linked to externalizing behavior and interventions can reduce cognitive distortions, a subsequent reduction in externalizing behavior remains to be demonstrated.
K1 Cognitive distortions
K1 Effectiveness
K1 externalizing problems
K1 Intervention
K1 Meta-analysis
K1 Treatment
DO 10.1177/0093854814552842