An empirical test of the generic model of psychotherapy

This study examined the propositions of Orlinsky and Howard's generic model of psychotherapy with regard to self-relatedness, therapeutic bond, therapeutic realizations, session outcome, and termination outcome. Measures representing these constructs were derived from therapy session reports obtained from patients after sessions three and seven. A multiple-regression data analytic strategy was used that focused on the proportion of variance accounted for by single variables as well as combinations of process and outcome variables. Self-relatedness and therapeutic bond accounted for significant proportions of variance in therapeutic realizations. In addition, therapeutic realizations, therapeutic bond, and self-relatedness accounted for significant proportions of variance in session outcome. Finally, session outcome accounted for a significant proportion of variance in termination outcome.