The relationship between curative factors perceived by patients in their psychotherapy and treatment outcome: An exploratory study

Abstract

Researchers are becoming increasingly interested in those aspects of the curative process that are not specific to any treatment approach. Two hypotheses were tested in this study: (1) that patients would, among those factors they suggest as helpful in their treatment, develop a list of consistently suggested curative factors; (2) that some of the consistently suggested factors will have a direct positive relationship to outcome. Twenty-four out-patients were interviewed. Both hypotheses were supported. Two factors emerged as having a significant influence on outcome: they were advice and the understanding of the therapist.