title: The nonspecific hypothesis of therapeutic effectiveness: a current assessment.
abstract: The hypothesis that the nature of the psychotherapeutic influence consists of specific (technique) and nonspecific or common (interpersonal) factors is examined in the light of accumulating research evidence. The dichotomy is held to be a pseudo-issue bedeviling the field and retarding scientific progress. Issues likely to be more productive in evaluating and promoting therapeutic effectiveness are identified and discussed.
mesh_terms: D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011570:Psychiatry; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods