Changes in interpersonal conflicts among adolescents during psychodynamic therapy

Abstract

The core conflictual relationship theme (CCRT) method was used in psychodynamic therapy with 10 adolescents to study change in interpersonal conflicts in the course of treatment. Relationship anecdote paradigm interviews were conducted at the beginning of therapy and before termination 8 to 9 months later. Adolescents were asked to describe 4 relationship episodes for each of the following significant others: parents, peers, and therapist. The CCRTs for the 3 relationships were different: The main wishes toward the parents were to be close and to be given independence; toward friends, to be close and to be open; and toward the therapist, to be helped and to be understood. The responses of other and self toward parents were significantly more negative than responses in other relationships. Responses of self and other in the therapeutic relationship were significantly more positive. At the end of therapy the interactions with parents were more positive, whereas those with the therapist grew more ambivalent.