Date of Award

11-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Psychological Science

Program

Psychological Science (MS)

First Advisor/Chairperson

Cory Toegel

Abstract

Effective training of clinicians is crucial for ensuring high-quality clinical practices. This study evaluated the effectiveness of and preference for two teaching strategies within a behavior skills training (BST) framework for training novice adults in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) components. College students participated in multiple laboratory sessions across three study phases: Introduction, Choice, and Training. During the Introduction Phase, participants learned CBT Component 1 with either feedback only or feedback combined with brief role-play for incorrect skills. These two teaching strategies alternated across trials to ensure the participant was exposed to each equally. The Choice Phase allowed participants to select their preferred teaching strategy in each trial while learning Component 2. In the Training Phase, two new components (Components 3 and 4) were taught. The components alternated and each component was paired with one of the two teaching strategies. Skill acquisition rates and teaching strategy preferences were analyzed. This research sheds light on effective methods for training clinical skills and identifies preferences that could optimize training protocols in clinical settings.

Access Type

Open Access

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