Which Methodological Practice(s) for Psychotherapy Science? A Systematic Review and a Proposal

Area of Science:

• Psychotherapy Science
• Research Methodology
• Scientific Philosophy

Background:

• Psychotherapy research employs empirical-quantitative, empirical-qualitative, and theoretical methodologies.
• A debate exists regarding the dominance of empirical-quantitative methods, often linked to scientific monism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and explore the contributions of different methodological practices in psychotherapy science.
• To analyze the prevalence and impact of empirical-quantitative, empirical-qualitative, and theoretical approaches in leading journals.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 15 journals from 2003 to 2013.
• Inclusion of 9,915 studies, coded for methodological practice (empirical-quantitative, empirical-qualitative, theoretical).
• Analysis of publication frequency and citation rates across methodologies.

Main Results:

• Empirical-quantitative studies were the most published across the decade and in most journals.
• This quantitative dominance was even more pronounced when considering citation rates.
• Findings suggest a pervasive quantitative monopoly within psychotherapy science.

Conclusions:

• The observed quantitative monopoly may stem from a lack of critical thinking supporting scientific monism.
• A call for enhanced disciplinary critical thinking is made to foster scientific pluralism.
• Valuing the plurality and diversity of all methodological practices is essential for advancing psychotherapy science.