Effect of the miracle questions in solution-focused brief therapy on memory tend and emotional stage in college students

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of the miracle questions in solution-focused brief therapy on memory tend and emotional stage in a non-clinical situation in college students. Methods A quasi-experimental design was adopted, and two kinds of materials for self-coaching(solution-focused, problem-focused) were developed according to the previous researches. Seventy-two subjects were randomly divided into two groups, receiving the miracle questions in solution-focused brief therapy(The miracle question group, thirty-six subjects) or problem-focused coaching intervention(problem-focused group, thirty-six subjects). Exception memories number and positive and negative emotion level were evaluated between the two groups. Results The subjects receiving the miracle question group write more exception memories (3.67±2.07) than problem-focused group (1.61±1.18) (t=5.178, P 0.05). Conclusion The miracle questions in solution-focused brief therapy can trigger the subjects to exceptional memories .This suggests that in practical application, questions order has impact on the effect of consultation. Before asking exception question, miracle questions should be asked in the use of solution-focused intervention. Key words: Solution-focused brief therapy; College students; Miracle questions; Exception questions; Emotional stage; Cross-sectional studies