PRESENT STATUS OF OUTCOME STUDIES

A consideration of outcome research suggests that despite progress in standardization of change measures and specification of therapeutic procedures, it continues to fail to demonstrate significant differences in the effectiveness of these procedures for most conditions. A more hopeful direction of research would be to explore therapeutically relevant qualities of the patient, the therapist, and their interaction. Based on clinical impressions and scattered research findings, suggestions are offered as to potentially promising research approaches to these areas. (21 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1979 American Psychological Association.