Predicting termination and continuation status in psychotherapy using the transtheoretical model.

Abstract

Measures from the transtheoretical model of change were compared to traditional client characteristic variables as predictors of termination and continuation status of clients entering psychotherapy. Client characteristics were not significant predictors but the transtheoretical variables of stages, processes of change, and decisional balance for therapy were excellent predictors. A discriminative function using the transtheoretical variables correctly classified 92% of the clients into two groups: (a) premature terminators and (b) appropriate terminators and therapy continuers. Discussion focused on the importance of matching therapy to client's stage of change in order to reduce the average rate of 40% of clients terminating therapy prematurely.