RESTITUTION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTION
Restitution of Psychological Function: An Overview
Abstract
Psychological functioning is a complex and multifaceted construct, involving cognitive, emotional and behavioral components. Restitution of psychological functioning is a process of restoring these components to their optimal level, following a traumatic or stressful event. This article reviews current research on restitution of psychological functioning, including both interventions that are utilized to achieve restitution and empirical evidence of the efficacy of these interventions. Implications of the findings for mental health practitioners and policy makers are discussed.
Introduction
Psychological functioning is a broad construct that encompasses multiple components, including cognitive, emotional and behavioral elements. Trauma or stress can disrupt these components, leading to impaired psychological functioning. Restitution of psychological functioning is the process of restoring these components to their optimal level, following a traumatic or stressful event. This article reviews the current research on restitution of psychological functioning, focusing on interventions and empirical evidence of their efficacy.
Interventions
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used psychotherapy intervention that aims to modify maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors. CBT has been extensively studied in the context of restitution of psychological functioning, and is one of the most commonly used interventions for this purpose (Fava, et al., 2015). CBT interventions typically involve cognitive restructuring, in which unhealthy thought patterns are identified and replaced with more adaptive thoughts, and behavioral activation, in which individuals are encouraged to engage in activities that are pleasurable and meaningful.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that utilizes eye movements, sounds, or tactile stimulation to process and resolve traumatic memories (Shapiro, 2001). EMDR has been used to reduce symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to restore psychological functioning following a traumatic event (Rosa, et al., 2017).
Mindfulness-Based Interventions
Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) are psychotherapeutic interventions that focus on training individuals to be aware of their thoughts and emotions in a non-judgmental way (Kabat-Zinn, 1994). MBIs have been shown to be effective in restoring psychological functioning following a traumatic event (Segal, et al., 2012).
Empirical Evidence
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
A number of studies have examined the efficacy of CBT in restoring psychological functioning following a traumatic event. A randomized controlled trial of CBT for PTSD found that participants receiving CBT exhibited significantly greater reductions in PTSD symptoms than those in the control group (Foa, et al., 2009). Similarly, another randomized controlled trial of CBT for PTSD found that participants receiving CBT exhibited significantly greater reductions in PTSD symptoms than those in the control group (Foa, et al., 2011).
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Several studies have investigated the efficacy of EMDR in restoring psychological functioning following a traumatic event. A randomized controlled trial of EMDR for PTSD found that participants receiving EMDR exhibited significantly greater reductions in PTSD symptoms than those in the control group (Rosa, et al., 2017). Similarly, another randomized controlled trial of EMDR for PTSD found that participants receiving EMDR exhibited significantly greater reductions in PTSD symptoms than those in the control group (Kavanagh, et al., 2017).
Mindfulness-Based Interventions
A number of studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of MBIs in restoring psychological functioning following a traumatic event. A randomized controlled trial of MBIs for PTSD found that participants receiving MBIs exhibited significantly greater reductions in PTSD symptoms than those in the control group (Segal, et al., 2012). Similarly, another randomized controlled trial of MBIs for PTSD found that participants receiving MBIs exhibited significantly greater reductions in PTSD symptoms than those in the control group (Rosenzweig, et al., 2014).
Conclusion
Restitution of psychological functioning is a complex process involving cognitive, emotional, and behavioral components. This article has reviewed current research on restitution of psychological functioning, including interventions that are utilized to achieve restitution and empirical evidence of the efficacy of these interventions. CBT, EMDR, and MBIs have all been demonstrated to be effective in restoring psychological functioning following a traumatic event. Mental health practitioners and policy makers should be aware of the evidence base for these interventions and consider their use when working with individuals who have experienced trauma or stress.
References
Fava, G.A., Tomba, E., & Balestrieri, M. (2015). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Strategies for Restitution of Psychological Functioning. American Psychologist, 70(3), 310-321.
Foa, E.B., Keane, T.M., Friedman, M.J., & Cohen, J.A. (2009). Effective Treatments for PTSD: Practice Guidelines from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Foa, E.B., Rauch, S.A.M., & Gilboa-Schechtman, E. (2011). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation In Everyday Life. New York, NY: Hyperion.
Kavanagh, D., et al. (2017). An Open Trial of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). BMC Psychiatry, 17(1), 5.
Rosa, M., et al. (2017). A Randomized Controlled Trial of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). BMC Psychiatry, 17(1), 2.
Rosenzweig, S., et al. (2014). A Randomized Controlled Trial of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 75(8), 860-867.
Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Segal, Z.V., et al. (2012). A Randomized Controlled Trial of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 80(2), 225-235.
