Specificity of Homework Compliance Effects on Treatment Outcome in CBT: Evidence from a Controlled Trial on Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia

Objectives: Although homework assignments are an integral component of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and relate to positive therapy outcomes, it is unclear whether specific homework types and their completion have specific effects on outcome. Method: Data from N = 292 patients (75% female, mean age 36 years) with panic disorder and agoraphobia and treated with standardized CBT were analyzed with homework compliance quality and quantity for different types of homework serving as predictors for different outcome variables. Results: Quality ratings of homework completion were stronger outcome predictors than quantitative compliance ratings. Exposure homework was a better outcome predictor than homework relating to psychoeducation and self-monitoring. Conclusion: Different aspects of homework compliance and specific homework types might differentially relate to CBT outcome.