Rational psychotherapy of neuroses: dynamic changes in psychological response of men and women

¹ Don State Technical University, 344003, Gagarin Sq., 1, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
² Southern Federal University, 344006, Bolshaya Sadovaya str., 105/42, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

¹ Corresponding author: limpopo-is@yandex.ru

Abstract

The paper presents the results of a study of dynamic changes in the severity of depression, it’s somatic manifestations, basic beliefs and dysfunctional attitudes in the course of treatment which included rational psychotherapy. The study sample consisted of 48 men and women with different forms of prediagnosed neurotic disorder aged 25-44 years (M = 32.6, SD = 5.3 (43.7% men)). Methods: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI, N.V. Tarabrina, 2001), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI, N.V. Tarabrina, 2001), Janoff-Bulman The World Assumptions Questionnaire (M.A. Padun, A.V. Kotelnikova, 2007), A. Beck, A. Weissman Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS, M.L. Zakharova, 2013). Statistical analysis included Kruskal-Wallis H-test and one-way ANOVA with post-hoc analysis. As a result of the study, it was possible to identify gender differences in the dynamics of cognitive-affective manifestations of depression, somatic manifestations of depression and dysfunctional relationships. It has been found that women demonstrate greater progress in stabilizing their emotional state and developing the skills to recognize their dysfunctional thoughts. At the same time, men are distinguished by a more pronounced dynamics of change in beliefs about their own value, the ability to manage events and luck.