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Mechanisms of Change in Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy: Systematized Review
Pejman Hoviatdoost1, Robert D Schweitzer1, Sia Bandarian1
1Faculty of Health, School of Psychology and Counseling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Hoviatdoost, Schweitzer); Department of Health, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia (Bandarian); private practice, Gold Coast, Queensland (Arthey).
American Journal of Psychotherapy
|May 9, 2020
Summary
Evidence for Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) mechanisms is emerging, though challenges remain in defining key concepts like "unlocking the unconscious." Research suggests a link between these mechanisms and positive therapy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychotherapy Research
- Clinical Psychology
- Mental Health Interventions
Background:
- Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) shows increasing effectiveness.
- Empirical evidence for ISTDP's mechanisms of change is limited.
- Understanding how ISTDP works is crucial for refining therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and describe theorized mechanisms of change in ISTDP.
- To critically evaluate the existing literature on these mechanisms.
- To identify future research directions for ISTDP mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- A systematized literature search was performed.
- Databases searched included PsycINFO, PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL.
- Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria for analysis.
Main Results:
- Included studies examined at least one theorized ISTDP mechanism.
- Mechanisms explored included "unlocking the unconscious" and therapist interventions.
- Operationalization and empirical examination of mechanisms were attempted.
Conclusions:
- A lack of consensus definition for "unlocking the unconscious" is a significant limitation.
- Measuring mechanisms of change presents challenges across therapeutic modalities.
- Preliminary findings suggest a potential association between ISTDP mechanisms and positive therapy outcomes.
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