Goal explicitness and therapeutic outcome

Smita Desai Ward, Purdue University

Abstract

The primary purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of therapeutic treatment on client academic, interpersonal, and emotional outcome. Specifically, two types of therapy (goal explicit versus less goal explicit) were administered, with the hypothesis positing that clients receiving more goal explicit therapy should demonstrate significantly greater improvement than those receiving the less explicit therapy. This hypothesis was not supported. Results indicated that clients did show significant improvements in academic, interpersonal, and emotional functioning after therapy, as rated by the clients themselves, therapists, and an independent rater. However, even though clients showed positive treatment outcome overall, there were no significant differences based on specific type of therapy.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Gruen, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Psychotherapy

COinS