https://doi.org/10.4081/ripppo.2024.803
Does technique matter? A multilevel meta-analysis on the association between psychotherapeutic techniques and outcome
Submitted: June 10, 2024
Accepted: August 26, 2024
Published: August 29, 2024
Accepted: August 26, 2024
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
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The extent to which psychotherapeutic techniques have an impact on outcome has been studied on a regular basis. To date, there are no meta-analytic attempts to clarify the association between techniques and outcome in multi-therapeutic approach measures. This study aims to conduct a meta-analysis of the described association. A three-level meta-analysis and moderator-analysis were used. The meta-analysis revealed 13 studies with a total of 177 effect sizes. There was a significant effect r=.193 (t[176]=4.77, p<.01) with higher use of psychotherapeutic techniques being associated with better outcome. Significant moderator was therapeutic approach-specific subscales. The mean effect of cognitive-behavioral techniques was r=.088 (t[147]=1.50, p=.14, d=0.18; s=11, k=79), and the mean effect of psychodynamic techniques was r=.286 (t[147]=5.06, p<.01, d=0.60; s=11, k=70). The measurements for psychotherapeutic technique (Comparative Psychotherapy Process Scale and Psychotherapy-Process Q-Sort) showed no significant difference related to the association between technique and outcome (F[1, 175]=0.38, p=.54). This meta-analysis showed a positive relation between psychotherapeutic techniques and outcome. This leads to the assumption that specific psychotherapeutic techniques have positive effects on post-treatment outcome.
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How to Cite
Grevenhaus, C. J., Flückiger, C., Theimer, L., & Benecke, C. (2024). Does technique matter? A multilevel meta-analysis on the association between psychotherapeutic techniques and outcome. Research in Psychotherapy: Psychopathology, Process and Outcome, 27(2). https://doi.org/10.4081/ripppo.2024.803
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