Effectiveness of a cognitive behavioral intervention for young adults withcystic fibrosis

This study examined the effectiveness of a cognitive behavioral interventio n for young adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). Four young adults were referr ed for the therapy by medical staff because of perceived problems with anxi ety, anger, or coping. Treatment impact was assessed on measures of anxiety , anger, perceptions of functional disability, and coping. A multiple basel ine design across subjects was used. Overall, the impact of the cognitive b ehavioral intervention for young adults with CF was mixed. If participants had elevated baseline scores on anxiety, anger, or perceived functional dis ability, then some improvement was shown. However, only one participant had elevated baseline anxiety and anger scores, while two had higher functiona l disability scores. For coping, only one participant clearly displayed a g reater use of approach relative to avoidance coping by the end of treatment . Results are discussed in terms of treatment implications, assessment, and coping issues.