title: The effectiveness of solution-focused therapy and short- and long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy on self-concept during a 3-year follow-up.
abstract: This study compares the effectiveness of solution-focused therapy (SFT) and short- and long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (SPP and LPP) on self-concept during a 3-year follow-up. Altogether, 326 patients with mood or anxiety disorder were randomized to SFT, SPP, and LPP in the Helsinki Psychotherapy Study. Outcome was assessed using the Structural Analysis of Social Behavior questionnaire at baseline and 7, 12, 24, and 36 months after. Overall, during the first year of follow-up, self-concept improved more in both SFT and SPP than in LPP, indicated by the primary outcome indicators self-directed affiliation (AF) and self-directed autonomy, as well as by most of the eight secondary cluster scores. After the 3-year follow-up, LPP was more effective than SFT in AF and in the cluster scores self-affirm, self-blame, and self-neglect, whereas no difference was noted between LPP and SPP. Long duration and psychodynamic orientation of therapy may be beneficial for self-concept improvement.
authors.affiliation: National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland. olavi.lindfors@thl.fi
authors.forename: Olavi
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Lindfors
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Knekt
authors.forename: Esa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Virtala
authors.forename: Maarit A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Laaksonen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001883:Borderline Personality Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D018801:CD2 Antigens; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D000075384:Neuroticism; D011340:Problem Solving; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief / Q000379:methods*; D012649:Self Concept; D000071176:Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family; D012919:Social Behavior; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte; D018801:CD2 Antigens; D008565:Membrane Proteins; C430589:SLAMF8 protein, human; D000071176:Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family