[Psychotherapy motivation--factor analysis and validity of a modified version of the Psychotherapy Motivation...

Motivation for psychotherapy is seen as a major factor for the success of psychotherapy. Examination of this motivation process requires procedures which recognize motivation for psychotherapy prior to initiation of therapy. Therefore, we reformulated the Psychotherapy Motivation Questionnaire (FPTM). N = 383 patients were given the questionnaire before their first consultation in outpatient psychosomatic treatment. The factorial and criteria validity were tested. The factorial structure of the altered questionnaire is identical to the original version. Confirmative factor analysis affirms "initiative" and "knowledge" as two separate factors. Patients with somatoform disorders and "unexplained physical symptoms" as the reason for referral show less motivation than other patients. Patients with previous experience with psychotherapy show higher motivation. The Psychotherapy Motivation Questionnaire can be used in its adapted version before patients start psychotherapy. The increase in motivation depends on the disorder and the treatment phase. Information and the reason for referral are important variables in motivation.