Relational measures in psychotherapy research on process and outcome: a commentary on the studies.
Using Benjamin's (2000) Structural Analysis of Social Behavior, we evaluated change in "self-directed" affiliation and autonomy and prediction of treatment response and relapse/recurrence among adult outpatients with recurrent major depressive disorder consenting to acute phase cognitive therapy (A-CT; Beck, Rush, Shaw, & Emery, 1979; N=156); A-CT responders randomized (N=84) to 8 months of continuation phase cognitive therapy (C-CT; Jarrett, 1989; Jarrett et al., 1998; Jarrett & Kraft, 1997) or assessment-only control; and C-CT and control patients entering a 16-month, assessment-only follow-up (N=74). Self-directed affiliation and autonomy increased after A-CT, and C-CT further increased affiliation and autonomy. Affiliation and autonomy did not predict A-CT response, but lower affiliation and higher autonomy pre-A-CT predicted relapse/recurrence post-A-CT. We discuss potential clinical implications of these results and present case examples to illustrate patterns of change.
Gurtman
Michael B
MB
Psychology Department, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Kenosha, 53141, USA. gurtman@uwp.edu
D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012107:Research Design; D016896:Treatment Outcome