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Syzygy, science, and psychotherapy: the Consumer Reports study
K I Howard1, M S Krause, C A Caburnay
1Northwestern University, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|June 15, 2001
Summary
Consumer Reports (CR) survey data suggest psychotherapy is effective, with longer-term treatment yielding better results. Supplemental data address methodological critiques, enhancing interpretation of psychotherapy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- A Consumer Reports (CR) survey suggested psychotherapy is effective, particularly long-term therapy.
- Methodological critiques included sample bias, retrospective data, and questionable outcome assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of psychotherapy.
- To address critiques of the CR survey methodology.
- To augment interpretation using supplemental data.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Consumer Reports (CR) survey data.
- Inclusion of supplemental data, including prospective data from psychotherapy patients.
- Systematic evaluation of research critiques.
Main Results:
- The CR survey indicated psychotherapy effectiveness, with longer durations showing greater benefit.
- Supplemental data were used to address and evaluate methodological critiques.
- Prospective data provided further insights into psychotherapy outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Psychotherapy is an effective treatment modality.
- Longer-term psychotherapy appears more beneficial than shorter-term therapy.
- Supplemental data can systematically address and evaluate research critiques, supporting the validity of findings.