Interpretations of the patient-therapist relationship in brief dynamic psychotherapy : effects on long-term mode-specific changes.
The authors examined whether persistent analysis of the patient-therapist relationship in brief dynamic psychotherapy favorably affects long-term dynamic change in patients initially deemed suitable for such treatment. As in common practice, 22 highly suitable patients were given a high number of transference interpretations per session. A comparison group of 21 patients with lower suitability received the same treatment, but transference interpretations were withheld. Statistical adjustment for the deliberate nonequivalence in pretreatment suitability indicated a significant negative effect of high numbers of transference interpretations on long-term dynamic changes. Demographic variables, DSM-III diagnoses, additional treatment, life events in the follow-up years, or therapist effects did not explain or obscure the findings.
Department of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 85, Vinderen, 0319 Oslo, Norway.
S
S
Amlo
V
V
Engelstad
A
A
Fossum
T
T
Sørlie
P
P
Høglend
O
O
Heyerdahl
O
O
Sørbye