Assimilation in good- and poor-outcome cases of very brief psychotherapy for mild depression: An initial comparison

Abstract

Abstract This study compared the assimilation of problematic experiences in four good-outcome cases versus four poor-outcome cases of very brief psychotherapy (two sessions plus a follow-up) for mild depression. Clients’ central problems were consensually formulated, and transcribed passages concerning these problems were rated on the Assimilation of Problematic Experiences Scale by trained raters. Results supported the theoretical expectation that reductions in the intensity of depressive symptoms were associated with higher levels of assimilation. All of the good outcome cases reached Assimilation Level 4 (understanding/insight), whereas none of the poor outcome cases did so. Despite methodological limitations, it is suggested that this study represents an empirical endorsement of the assimilation model. Zusammenfassung Assimilation in Fallen mit gutem und schlechten Ergebnis sehr kurzer Psychotherapie fur leichte Depression: ein erster Vergleich Diese Untersuchung vergleicht die Assimilation problemati...