2.2.1. CBT Descriptions
depression
We adapted a brief, expert-vetted generic description of CBT for depression [The descriptions provided were either (1) generic, describing CBT’s nature with only vague reference to mechanisms, or (2) framed within a (A) biological/chemical model, (B) stress/environmental model, or (C) relationship/interpersonal model. Two versions of each of the descriptions incorporating causal models were created: (i) a “simple” description, which was more brief and superficial in its mention of the proposed mechanisms of CBT; and (ii) a “complex” description, which was lengthier and more nuanced in its explanation of the mechanisms of CBT framed within a particular model. Two of the authors were responsible for adapting each of the simple and complex descriptions of CBT within the three causal frameworks described above. The content of each of these descriptions was created based on reliable, evidence-based findings demonstrating links between depression and the proposed mechanisms [Drafts of the descriptions were presented to three experts with at least five years of experience in their fields. One psychiatrist evaluated the biological descriptions, while one clinical psychologist read the stress descriptions and a second clinical psychologist read the relationship descriptions. These experts provided feedback on the plausibility of the mechanisms proposed as well as the accuracy and readability of the descriptions. Changes suggested by the experts were first implemented in the complex versions of the descriptions. Subsequently, the simple versions were created from the complex descriptions. 