Changing trends in three decades of psychotherapy research: the flight from theory into pragmatics.
This article reviews 252 empirical studies of psychotherapy published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in the years 1967/1968, 1977/1978, and 1987/1988. Articles were rated on variables related to theoretical relevance, clinical validity and methodology. It is shown that the main trend over this period of time has been a decline in theory-guided and a rise in pragmatic, clinically oriented research. Related changes in specific norms and practices in this area are illustrated. The disadvantages of a purely empirical approach to psychotherapy research are discussed, and recommendations are made in light of the distinction between the different aims of pragmatic and theoretical research.
Omer
H
H
Department of Psychology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.
Dar
R
R
D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy / Q000639:trends; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000639:trends*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012106:Research