The present study compared the relative effectiveness of 
preferential
rational-emotive therapy (RET) and general cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) in the treatment of low self-esteem and related emotional disturbances. Thirty-three subjects were randomly assigned to RET, CBT, and waiting-list control (WLC) groups. Therapy consisted of 8 weekly 1 1/2
hour group sessions. At posttest, both the RET and CBT groups changed significantly more than the WLC group on all measures: self-esteem, depression, general and social-evaluative anxiety, anger, and rational thinking. On the self-esteem and self-efficacy measures, the CBT group changed significantly more than the RET group. At a six-month follow-up, both the RET and CBT groups maintained their gains, and there were no significant differences between groups on any measure.
Key words rational-emotive therapy - self-esteem, self-acceptance - cognitive behavior therapy
Portions of this article appeared in Elegant vs. Inelegant RET in the Treatment of Low Self-Esteem and Related Emotional Disturbances, a paper presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy, November 1984, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.We gratefully acknowledge the generous contribution of Albert Ellis, who reviewed our therapy protocols and audiotapes. Appreciation is also extended to Ellen Jean and Collin van Uchelen for providing technical assistance with data analysis. A special thanks is extended to Terri Warren for her patience and skill in preparing several drafts of this manuscript. Finally, appreciation is extended to the men and women who participated in our study.