Kanter, Baruch, & Gaynor. (2006). Acceptance and commitment therapy and behavioral activation for depression. [Full Text]
Wikipedia (Behavioral Activation)
Derek Hopko, PhD (behavioral activation researcher)
Christopher Martell, PhD (behavioral activation researcher)
The Society of Clinical Psychology
Evidence for the Effectiveness of Behavioral Activation
Cuijpers P, van Straten A, Warmerdam L. (2007). Behavioral activation treatments of depression: a meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 27, 318–326.
Results: A review of 16 studies showed clear effectiveness in treating depression, and the effects were similar to another treatment with well-established evidence of effectiveness (cognitive therapy).
Dobson KS, Hollon SD, Dimidjian S, Schmaling KB, Kohlenberg RJ, Gallop RJ, Rizvi SL, Gollan JK, Dunner DL, Jacobson NS. (2008). Randomized trial of behavioral activation, cognitive therapy, and antidepressant medication in the prevention of relapse and recurrence in major depression. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 76, 468–477
Results: Both behavioral activation (BA) and cognitive therapy (CT) were shown to be at least as effective as antidepressant medication, and there were no differences in effectiveness between BA and CT. Both BA and CT are less expensive and longer-lasting alternatives to medication in the treatment of depression.