Psychotherapy Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Psychotherapy, including details on psychiatry, psychoanalysis, methods, outcomes.

Universal session-level change processes in an early session of psychotherapy: path models.

Kolden GG, Chisholm-Stockard SM, Strauman TJ, Tierney SC, Mullen EA, Schneider KL

Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School, Madison, WI 53719-1176, USA. ggkolden@wisc.edu

The authors used structural equation modeling to investigate universal change processes identified in the generic model of psychotherapy (GMP). Three path models of increasing complexity were examined in Study 1 in dynamic therapy. The best fitting model from Study 1 was replicated in Study 2 for participants receiving either cognitive or interpersonal therapy. Findings provided support for the universality of the GMP constructs in different types of therapy. Positive influences for therapeutic bond, openness, and realizations were observed, as was a surprising negative impact for one aspect of bond. Discussion highlights a complex conception of the therapy relationship that underscores the importance of investigating the multiple functions that the therapy relationship might serve in different psychotherapies.

Published 2 May 2006 in J Consult Clin Psychol, 74(2): 327-36.
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