UNDERSTANDING COGNITIVE CHANGE - A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF THE IMPACT OFCOGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY ON FEAR OF FLYING

A variety of cognitive and behavioural methods have been used in the t reatment of fear of flying. Although successful out-comes have been re ported, the value of specific treatment components in the process of c hange has not been established. This study uses clients' own accounts of treatment to examine their representations of the mechanisms of cog nitive change. Using techniques of qualitative analysis derived from G rounded Theory, six core categories are identified which represent key stages in the therapeutic experience. These are combined to present a model of change, focusing on the process of achieving control over fe elings, cognitions and behaviour. Some preliminary findings concerning the applications and limitations of the model are also discussed.