Simulated patients in training and supervision

INTERVENTION: Participants (i.e., bachelor and master students included either as trainees or supervisees) will conduct therapy sessions with standardized patients. They will be randomized in a 1:1 manner by computer‐generated numbers and allocated to the experimental or control groups, and to the order of the training topics (behavioral activation and cognitive strategies or vice versa). The allocation will be implemented by a researcher independent of the role plays. Training (modeling vs written instructions) Supervision (based on video sessions vs based on verbal reporting) Training: In the experimental group, participants will watch a video of an experienced psychotherapist who skillfully demonstrates behavioral activation (Video 1) and cognitive strategies (Video 2) with an SP demonstrating a depressive disorder. In the control group, participants will watch two unspecific learning tutorials. Supervision: In the experimental group, participants will show their video on behavioral activation (Video 1) and on cognitive techniques (Video 2) of an interaction with an SP demonstrating a depressive disorder to a supervisor (behaviorally‐based). In the control group, participants will report their experiences with the role plays to a supervisor (verbally‐based supervision). Total duration of the first appointment: 3.5 hours, and of the follow‐up appointment: 1.5 hours. CONDITION: Therapeutic competence ; Not Applicable PRIMARY OUTCOME: ; Measured at pre, post‐ and 3‐month follow‐up:; 1. Psychotherapeutic competencies measured via the Cognitive Therapy Scale (CTS); 2. Therapeutic techniques measured using a self‐developed checklist; SECONDARY OUTCOME: ; Measured at pre, post‐ and 3‐month follow‐up unless otherwise specified:; 1. Therapeutic alliance measured using the Helping Alliance questionnaire (HAQ); 2. Empathy measured via the Empathy Scale; 3. Therapeutic adherence measured using the Cognitive‐Behavioral Therapy Adherence Scale (CBT‐AS); 4. Therapeutic knowledge evaluated by multiple choice questions and case vignettes; 5. Anxiety measured by the state‐trait‐anxiety (STAI); 6. Authenticity measured by the Authenticity of Patient Demonstrations (APD) scale; 7. Counseling skills measured using the Helping Skills Measure; 8. Negative therapist effects measured using self‐developed questionnaire; 9. Personality measured by the Big Five Inventory (BFI‐K) at post‐measurement; 10. Allegiance effects measured using self‐developed questionnaire at pre‐measurement; 11. The individual perception of the study measured using a self‐developed questionnaire at post‐ measurement and 3‐month follow‐up; 12. Demographic data measured using a self‐developed questionnaire at pre‐measurement and 3‐month follow‐up; INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Psychology students 2. Informed consent (i.e., agreement to the video recordings)