Predicting the outcome of psychotherapy is a central concern in
psychiatry. Twenty-one medical students seeking psychotherapy were
evaluated on a number of psychodynamic and process variables using self-
report scales and scales completed by the therapist before, during, and
after psychotherapy. There were significant differences between patients
and a comparison group on eight variables before therapy. Ten psychodynamic
variables (six representing ego defense mechanisms) and four process
variables were found to be highly correlated with outcome measures; the
process variables were the best predictors of outcome. The data support the
use of psychodynamic and process variables as predictors of outcome in
psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapy.Abstract Teaser