An active component of research at CAPER focuses on the application of Behavioral Activation approaches to a wide range of clinical conditions. Briefly, Behavioral Activation is a treatment approach traditionally targeting depression but one that also is useful for other conditions such as substance use, anxiety, trauma, and mental health difficulties associated with potentially chronic physical health conditions including cancer. This approach is based on the idea that mental health difficulties often involve a disconnection of the individual from their values and the absence of daily activities consistent with these values. It is an individualized approach that uses structure and support to help individuals live a more valued life on a daily basis to help overcome negative thoughts and feelings and provide healthy alternatives to unhealthy behaviors.
Lejuez, C. W., Hopko, D. R., Acierno, R., Daughters, S. B., & Pagoto, S. L. (2011). Ten Year Revision of the Brief Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression (BATD): Revised Treatment Manual (BATD-R). Behavior Modification, 35, 111-161.
Reynolds, E. K., MacPherson, L., Tull, M. T., & Baruch, D. E., & Lejuez, C. W. (provisional acceptance). Integration of the Brief Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression (BATD) into a College Orientation Program: Depression and Alcohol Outcomes. Journal of Counseling Psychology.
Daughters, S. B., Braun, A. R., Sargeant, M., Reynolds, E. R., Hopko, D., Blanco, C., & Lejuez, C.W. (2008). Effectiveness of a brief behavioral treatment for inner-city illicit drug users with elevated depressive symptoms: The Life Enhancement Treatment for Substance Use (LETS ACT!). Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 69, 122-129.
Hopko, D. R., Bell, J. L., Armento, M. E. A., Hunt, M. K., & Lejuez, C. W. (2005). Behavior Therapy for Depressed Cancer Patients in Primary Care. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 42, 236-243.
Hopko, D. R., Lejuez, C. W., Ruggiero, K. J., & Eifert, G. H. (2003). Contemporary behavioral activation treatments for depression: Procedures, principles, and progress. Clinical Psychology Review, 23, 699-717.
Hopko, D. R., Sanchez, L., Hopko, S. D., Dvir, S., & Lejuez, C. W. (2003). Behavioral activation and the prevention of suicidal behaviors in patients with borderline personality disorder. Journal of Personality Disorders, 17, 460-478.
Lejuez, C. W., Hopko, D. R., LePage, J. P., Hopko, S. D., & McNeil, D. W. (2001). A brief behavioral activation treatment for depression. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 8, 164-175.
Funding:R01DA26424 (Daughters, PI; Lejuez, Co-I)
*see smoking-related projects for additional publications and funded projects
Revised BATD Manual