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Psychodynamic variables as predictors of psychotherapy outcome

Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.141.6.742

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.

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