Assessing the statistical and personal significance of the method of levels.
BACKGROUND
Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) suggests that psychological distress can be conceptualized as the by-product of conflicted control systems.


METHODS
Using a program of psychotherapy based on the principles of PCT called the Method of Levels (MOL), a 12-month study was conducted with 120 patient participants and 4 clinicians. In this study, analyses of statistical significance were conducted. Qualitative data were also analysed to understand psychotherapy from patients' perspectives. Data were collected on the attendance patterns of patients, their ages, referral problem, and socio-economic background. A standardized questionnaire measured pre and post treatment effects. The null hypothesis of no difference between pre and post treatment scores was examined by the derivation of p values and the construction of 95% confidence intervals.


RESULTS
In all cases the null hypothesis was rejected.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that MOL is a useful form of psychotherapy that warrants further investigation.
Centre for Applied Psychology, University of Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. tim.carey@canberra.edu.au
Timothy A
TA
Carey
Margaret
M
Carey
Richard J
RJ
Mullan
Christopher G
CG
Spratt
Margaret B
MB
Spratt
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001364:Awareness; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000523:psychology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013222:State Medicine; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult