Premium
Factors in outcome of cognitive‐behavioural therapy for psychosis: Users' and clinicians' views
Author(s) -
McGowan John F.,
Lavender Tony,
Garety Philippa A.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
psychology and psychotherapy: theory, research and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.102
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 2044-8341
pISSN - 1476-0835
DOI - 10.1348/147608305x52559
Subject(s) - cognition , psychology , psychotherapist , psychosis , therapeutic relationship , outcome (game theory) , clinical psychology , alliance , grounded theory , cognitive therapy , distressing , qualitative research , psychiatry , social science , chemistry , mathematics , mathematical economics , sociology , political science , law
Objectives. Despite increasing evidence to suggest that cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT) is helpful for a significant proportion of people with psychosis, only limited information is available regarding factors implicated in outcome. The present study investigated factors differentiating outcomes on the basis of accounts from participants in the therapeutic process. Method. Four therapists and eight of their clients were interviewed about their experiences of CBT. Clients were defined as having progressed or not progressed during therapy. Interview data were analysed using a qualitative ‘grounded theory’ methodology. Results. A number of major categories differentiated the two client groups, including ability to let go of distressing beliefs, logical thought, holding therapy, and presence of a shared goal. Overall, clients who progressed were better able to move into the therapist's frame of reference. Therapists and clients also felt that non‐specific benefits accrued from the therapy for both groups. Conclusion. The results were consistent with previous studies suggesting that ability to disengage from distressing beliefs is important in therapeutic progression. Reasons considered for the inability to progress include emotional investment in psychotic beliefs and cognitive processing. Further research is required to clarify the role of logical thought and therapeutic alliance in progress and in predicting outcome.