LIBET dimensions across clinical populations

Background Case conceptualization in psychotherapy allows clinicians to hypothesize the origins of patients’ difficulties and to plan appropriate interventions. The LIBET model (Life and Themes Implication Biased: Elicitation and Treatment, Sassaroli et al., 2022) is a cognitive-behavioral framework designed to construct a case conceptualization. The aim of the present study is to investigate differences in the dimensions assessed by the LIBET model among individuals without a diagnosis, individuals with a diagnosis but without Personality Disorders (PDs), and individuals with PDs. Method A total of 738 participants completed a psychological assessment which included semi-structured interviews, LIBET-Questionnaire and self-report instruments Results Findings revealed group differences in the selection of strategies used to manage psychological distress, as well as significant differences across three out of the four metacognitive variables included in the LIBET model. Metacognitive variables were found to be correlated with personality rigidity and psychosocial wellbeing, supporting the model’s sensitivity in capturing core aspects of patient functioning. Conclusions The LIBET model appears to be a promising tool not only for assessment purposes but also for monitoring therapeutic progress. It can help identify phases of improvement or lack of progress and guide adjustments to the treatment plan within a shared therapeutic framework.