Evaluating emotionally focused therapy training in Taiwan: A cross -domain growth analysis

Ting Liu, Purdue University

Abstract

This research study was developed as a longitudinal study involving one 14-hour (2-day) EFT training workshop, and both quantitative and qualitative evaluations. Quantitative data was collected at three time points (pre-, post-, and 3-month follow-up assessments) using five standardized measures. The results of attrition analysis indicated that the forty-one participants who completed the follow-up assessment were representative of the whole sample ( n = 159) of this study. The results of individual growth analysis showed different change patterns, on average, in intrapsychic variables. For two subscales of Adult Attachment scale, Close and Anxiety, and two subscales of Interpersonal Reactivity Index, Fantasy and Empathic Concern, on average, the participants exhibited no change over time, but there was significant variance over individuals. On average, no significant change existed across individuals in Emotional Knowledge - Help Other and two other subscales of Interpersonal Reactivity Index, Personal Distress and Perspective Taking. On the other hand, changes were found in some intrapsychic variables using individual growth analysis. On average, participants improved their attachment security more rapidly between pre- and post-assessment, but the change rate slowed down a little between post- and follow-up assessment. In addition, on average, participants reduced their anxiety and avoidance in romantic attachment, but their self-acceptance and emotional regulation in the situation concerning self became worse over time. Education and professional qualification were important predictors in individual growth models. On average, participants with higher education reported to be more securely attached, more self-accepting, more anxious and avoidant in romantic relationship, more empathic, and had better affect regulation strategies at the initial status. On the other hand, Professional qualification predicted the slope growth parameter of Fantasy and Personal Distress. That is, on average, no change existed in the Fantasy and Personal Distress scores, but participants who were non-helping professionals had trajectories of Fantasy and Personal Distress that were decreasing more rapidly than were those who were volunteer/lay counselors.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Keiley, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology

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