The efficacy of problem solving therapy in reducing mental and physical health problems: a meta-analysis.
This paper describes a meta-analysis of 31 studies that examined the efficacy of problem solving therapy (PST). The meta-analysis, encompassing 2895 participants, showed that PST is significantly more effective than no treatment (d=1.37), treatment as usual (d=0.54), and attention placebo (d=0.54), but not significantly more effective than other bona fide treatments offered as part of a study (d=0.22). Significant moderators included whether the PST included problem-orientation training, whether homework was assigned, and whether a developer of PST helped conduct the study.
Malouff
John M
JM
School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia. jmalouff@une.edu.au
Thorsteinsson
Einar B
EB
Schutte
Nicola S
NS
D000328:Adult; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011214:Practice, Psychological; D011340:Problem Solving; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome