The development of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy in contemporary psychological practice

- Архангельська, М.В. (orcid.org/0009-0004-7098-9894) (2026) The development of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy in contemporary psychological practice Dissertation candidate2 thesis, Інститут психології імені Г. С. Костюка.

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Abstract

Arkhangelska M.V. The development of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy in contemporary psychological practice. – Qualifying scientific work, manuscript rights reserved. The thesis for the PhD degree, in the field of knowledge 05 – social and behavioral sciences, specialty 053 – psychology.– G.S. Kostiuk Institute of Psychology of the National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, 2026. The dissertation presents a theoretical generalization of the cultural-historical, theoretical-conceptual, and professional aspects of the development of cognitive-behavioral therapy as a contemporary psychological practice. The role of the cognitive-behavioral approach in the system of psychological assistance and professional training of specialists is substantiated, particularly in the context of wartime and the traumatization of the population. The main aim of the study is to identify the cultural-historical, theoretical-conceptual, and professional aspects of the development of cognitive behavioral psychotherapy in contemporary psychological practice. The achievement of this aim was facilitated through addressing the research objectives, within which the cultural-historical prerequisites for the development of CBT as a modern psychological practice were identified; a model of socio-professional self-determination of the cognitive behavioral psychotherapeutic community was developed; key aspects of the formation of the Ukrainian school of cognitive behavioral psychotherapy were analyzed; the theoretical-conceptual aspects of the development of CBT were defined, and the challenges its adaptation under wartime conditions were examined; a model of basic professional competencies of a CBT specialist in wartime conditions was developped; a training course programme entitled «Basic Competencies of a CBT Specialist in Wartime Conditions» was developed and tested; diagnostic instruments for assessing the development of professional competencies of CBT specialists in wartime conditions were developed and validated. The scientific novelty of the obtained results lies in the fact that: for the first time: a structural-analytical model of the cultural and historical foundations of the development of cognitive-behavioral therapy was developed, integrating its philosophical-theoretical, experimental-psychological, sociocultural, and innovative dimensions, and providing a theoretical substantiation of the methodological integrity and evidence-based effectiveness of CBT across different historical and cultural contexts; a model of the socio-professional self-determination of the cognitive-behavioral psychotherapeutic community was developed; a model of the basic professional competencies of a CBT specialist in wartime conditions was constructed; and a training program entitled «Basic Competencies of a CBT Specialist in Wartime Conditions» was developed and empirically validated. deepened and expanded: the theoretical propositions regarding the cultural-historical and professional development of CBT as a contemporary psychological practice. further advancement was achieved in: conceptions of the key aspects of the development of the Ukrainian school of cognitive-behavioral therapy. The theoretical significance of the research results is determined by their scientific novelty and lies in the systematization of the cultural-historical and theoretical-conceptual foundations of cognitive-behavioral therapy, the substantiation of the model of socio-professional self-determination of the cognitive-behavioral community, and the development of the model of core professional competencies for a CBT specialist in wartime conditions. The scientific research and findings are presented in three chapters of the dissertation. In the first chapter – «The Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy in Cultural-Historical and Professional Contexts» – the development and evolution of the cognitive-behavioral direction of psychotherapy in the context of cultural and historical transformations are substantiated. The connections between cognitive-behavioral therapy and leading psychological and philosophical theories are analyzed, and the main groups of cultural-historical prerequisites and developmental factors are identified. A structural-analytical model of the cultural-historical foundations of CBT development is elaborated, integrating its philosophical-theoretical, experimental-psychological, sociocultural, and innovative dimensions, which made it possible to conceptualize CBT as a coherent methodological system with its own internal logic of evolution. The leading position of CBT in contemporary psychotherapeutic discourse is determined, conditioned by its high level of evidence, official recognition by international professional organizations, broad application, and capacity for contextual adaptation amid social transformations, particularly in situations of prolonged societal instability and war. The proposed model of socio-professional self-determination of the cognitive-behavioral psychotherapeutic community reflects the processes of institutionalization of CBT, the formation of professional identity among specialists, and the integration of scientific, clinical, and cultural dimensions of psychotherapeutic practice. The development of CBT is defined as that of an open professional community shaped by the interaction of theoretical foundations, societal demands, and professional standards. The institutionalization and dynamic development of the Ukrainian school of CBT are substantiated through the integration of international standards and the expansion of educational programmes, which actualizes the need for further systematic improvement of professional training for specialists in the context of contemporary challenges. In the second chapter – «The Theoretical-Conceptual Foundation of the Cognitive-Behavioral Approach in Psychotherapy» – the theoretical and conceptual foundations of the development of cognitive behavioral therapy as an evidence-based direction of contemporary psychotherapy are defined, and its methodological principles are elucidated, emphasizing the central role of dysfunctional beliefs, cognitive schemas, and automatic thoughts in the formation of psychological distress. It is substantiated that the historical evolution of CBT – from classical cognitive and behavioral approaches to modern integrative models – has shaped its structured format, psychoeducational orientation, and focus on the client’s active role in the therapeutic process. It is established that these characteristics ensure the universality of CBT and the possibility of its application under conditions of heightened and prolonged stress, particularly in the context of war. It is generalized that the effectiveness of CBT as a first-line intervention is grounded in a coherent system of cognitive models of psychopathology that enable the identification and modification of disorder-maintaining mechanisms, including negative automatic thoughts, cognitive distortions, core beliefs, and maladaptive behavioral strategies. It is established that its structured nature, relative short-term format, and strong evidence base make CBT particularly relevant in conditions of high prevalence of mental disorders, including situations of mass psychological traumatization. The role of CBT as a first-line psychotherapeutic intervention in the treatment of a wide range of mental disorders is analyzed. The principles and specific challenges of applying CBT in wartime conditions are identified, including cumulative traumatization, experiences of loss and chronic stress, disruption of basic cognitive schemas of safety, control, and predictability, the phenomenon of ambiguous loss, and prolonged grief. The directions for adapting the cognitive-behavioral approach to the wartime context are substantiated, including the strengthening of stabilization interventions, expansion of the psychoeducational component and development of psychological flexibility. In the third chapter – «Professional Training of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Specialists in Wartime Conditions» – a model of the formation of basic professional competencies of a CBT specialist in wartime conditions was developed and theoretically substantiated, its structural components were systematized, and general and specialized competencies were specified. The general competencies include the ability to establish and maintain a therapeutic alliance under conditions of uncertainty; understanding of the fundamental principles and structure of CBT; and the ability to work with cognitions, emotions, and behaviors in contexts of instability. The specialized competencies comprise the ability to conduct case conceptualization and identify maintaining cycles; the capacity to apply CBT in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and grief; and the ability to use the CBT approach in regulating intense emotions and addressing crisis states in wartime conditions. Based on the proposed model, the training course «Basic Competencies of a CBT Specialist in Wartime Conditions» was developed, implemented, and empirically validated. The analysis of the comprehensive evaluation results confirmed its high effectiveness and practical relevance, corresponding to current societal demands for the provision of high-quality and timely psychological assistance during martial law and the post-war recovery period.

Item Type:	Thesis (Dissertation candidate2)
Keywords:	сognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), CBT techniques, war, stress, professional development, development, psychological practice, mindfulness, trauma-focused psychotherapy, psychological trauma, health, coping resources, psychosocial support, core competencies of a CBT practitioner, training сourse
Subjects:	Science and knowledge. Organization. Computer science. Information. Documentation. Librarianship. Institutions. Publications > 1 Philosophy. Psychology Science and knowledge. Organization. Computer science. Information. Documentation. Librarianship. Institutions. Publications > 6 Applied Sciences. Medicine. Technology > 61 Medical sciences
Divisions:	Institute of Psychology after N.Kostiuk > Department of cognitive psychology
Depositing User:	М.В. Архангельська
Date Deposited:	15 Apr 2026 17:32
Last Modified:	15 Apr 2026 17:32
URI:	https://lib.iitta.gov.ua/id/eprint/748903

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