Self-regulation in psychological and medical treatments, and health promotion: a 21-year longitudinal study

Abstract

Experiences of the author, a psychologist, regarding clinical depression and subsequent health promotion were analyzed to identify effective methods of self-regulation. The author was treated with CBT by a clinical psychologist in Period (P) I (1994-2000), pharmacotherapy by a psychosomatician in PII (2000-2005), and CBT and holistic medicine by another psychosomatician in PIII (2005-2015). The author’s satisfaction level in personal and workplace areas increased from PI to PIII. Self-efficacy and self-evaluation scores for “Maintaining good personal relationships,†and “Changing one’s mood to cope with, or avoid stress†increased after 2013. These results indicate that the author became able to regulate her behavior and affect. After 2012, a health promotion program was added to the treatment. Calorie consumption assessed through activities, and walking time were not significantly different between sessions that attained preset goals and those that did not. It was concluded that more effort was necessary for goal setting and goal attainment. The applicability of these findings for promoting self-regulation in mental and physical health is suggested.