The influence of methodological variables on outcome in psychotherapy research

Although there is consensus that EMDR is efficacious in the treatment of PTSD, different studies have achieved a range of results. This presentation reviews a methodological meta-analysis that found a significant positive correlation between effect size and ratings of methodological rigor. Specific client, therapist, and methodological factors were identified in the analysis as accounting for some of the disparities in outcome. These variables are examined, and include the over-all rigor of the study, qualities of the assessor, treatment fidelity, symptom severity, and appropriate course of treatment. Implications for interpreting research outcomes are discussed, and recommendations are made for future research. The scale for assessing methodological variables was adapted from Foa and Meadows (1997), and the analysis suggests modifications and additions to improve the measurement of methodology.

Conference

English

Louise Maxfield

Maxfield, L. (2002, June). The influence of methodological variables on outcome in psychotherapy research. Panel discussion (L. Beutler, Discussant, EMDR research and its future: Ecological validity, process research, outcome findings, and socio-political context) at the (SPR) Society for Psychotherapy Research, International Conference, Santa Barbara, CA