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Communicative efficacy of psychotherapy research
1University of North Texas, Denton 76203-3587.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Psychotherapy outcome literature often lacks key details for practical application. A review found significant deficiencies in reporting patient demographics, disorder specifics, and replication data in professional journals.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychotherapy Research
Background:
- Practitioners report insufficient psychotherapy application details in professional journals.
- Existing literature may not adequately support clinical and empirical utility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent of specific information in psychotherapy outcome literature from 1985-1987.
- To assess the availability of data crucial for clinical application and replication.
Main Methods:
- A systematic survey of psychotherapy outcome studies published between 1985 and 1987.
- Analysis of content for specific categories including patient demographics, disorder description, and replication details.
Main Results:
- Findings partially confirm practitioners' claims regarding information scarcity.
- No single content area demonstrated consistent reporting.
- Significant deficiencies were noted in reporting patient demographics, disorder characteristics, and study replication.
Conclusions:
- Psychotherapy literature from the period inadequately represents information vital for practical clinical use.
- There appears to be an underacknowledgement of the empirical and clinical value of detailed reporting.
- Improved reporting standards are needed to enhance the utility of published psychotherapy research.