Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2025

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
[Empirical Conceptualization of Common Factors in Psychotherapy: Factor Structure of the WEB]
Deborah Meier1, Wolfgang Tschacher1, Franz Moggi1
1Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universität Bern, Schweiz.
Objective:
Our goal was to explore the association pattern of 26 common factors and thereby contribute conceptually to the debate on change mechanisms in psychotherapy with an empirically derived conception of superordinate common factors (global common factors). In addition, we tested reliability and validity aspects of a new instrument to assess common factors.
Method:
The activation of common factors during in- and outpatient psychotherapy was assessed in 502 patients using a weekly process measure ('Wochenerfahrungsbogen', WEB). The factor structure of the WEB was determined by exploratory factor analysis and verified by confirmatory factor analyses.
Results:
The four factors Coping, Therapeutic Alliance, Cognitive Integration, and Affective Processing accounted for 59.8 % of the total variance. Subsequent confirmatory factor analyses, using in- and outpatient samples, confirmed this structure.
Conclusions:
The study provided an empirically based integrative categorisation of common factors. Results on reliability (internal consistency) and construct validity indicate that the WEB is an appropriate measurement instrument to investigate global common factors.
More Related Videos
08:27Applying an eMASS Customization Program as a Research Tool to Evaluate Consumer Benefits
Published on: September 27, 2019
09:00Author Spotlight: Validation of SICOLE-R for Assessing Cognitive and Reading Skills in Spanish-Speaking Children and Its Role in Personalized Education
Published on: August 16, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychotherapy
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Family Therapy
Strategic Family Therapy
Strategic family therapy emphasizes resolving communication barriers and improving problem-solving abilities...
Five-Factor Theory of Personality
Openness reflects creativity, curiosity, and openness to new experiences. Individuals scoring high in openness are imaginative, have a wide range of interests, and are independent...