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Ambivalence resolution in brief psychotherapy for depression
Cátia Braga1, António P Ribeiro1, Miguel M Gonçalves1
1School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy
|January 10, 2018
Summary
Resolving ambivalence, the conflict between self-innovation and rejection, is key to successful psychotherapy. Negotiation between these positions, rather than dominance, predicts better outcomes in treating depression.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy Research
Background:
- Ambivalence, a conflict between self-innovation and rejection, can lead to psychotherapeutic failure.
- Resolving this conflict is crucial for sustained therapeutic change.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the evolution of dominance and negotiation processes in recovered vs. unchanged cases.
- To analyze if different therapeutic models impact these processes.
- To determine if these processes predict ambivalence resolution.
Main Methods:
- 22 clinical cases of depression (CBT, narrative, emotion-focused therapy) were analyzed.
- Sessions were coded for innovative moments, ambivalence, and resolution.
- Evolution of dominance and negotiation was tracked.
Main Results:
- Recovered cases showed increased negotiation over time; unchanged cases lacked negotiation.
- Both dominance and negotiation predicted ambivalence reduction, with negotiation having a greater impact.
- Therapeutic models did not significantly alter these process outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Negotiation is a critical process for resolving ambivalence and achieving successful psychotherapy outcomes.
- Clinicians should focus on fostering negotiation to prevent therapeutic failure.
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