Effects of Psychoanalytically-Derived Interpretations: A Verbal Conditioning Paradigm?

Abstract

the verbal conditioning studies, the number of attempts to manipulate relevant ' variables is minimal. Lack of such attempts in a controlled laboratory setting may be because it is often assumed that psychotherapy is an intricate and complex process which is difficult to simulate in the rigid experimental situation. Some therapists have indicated that experimental analysis might destroy what they term the essence of the therapeutic situation. Furthermore, there is Iitde agreement among therapists concerning the nature of the process or the definition of the techniques employed. The present writers feel that until attempts are made to determine the relevant variables and parameters. psychotherapy will remain a faith rather than a scientific system. A preliminary step in an experimental approach to psychotherapy might be that of determining the function of various techniques utilized by therapists. The interpretive process is one such technique which warrants investigation. In psychoanalytically-oriented theories the interpretation is viewed as a force thac makes conscious those unconscious motivations which determine the patient's behavior. Bramrner and Shosuom (1960) have defined interpretations as a means of presenting the pztient with certain hypotheses for consideration. Thus, interpretations are generally defined as an attempt by the therapist to impart meaning or insight to the client in order to aid him in the resolution of his problem. Rogers (1942) feels, however, that therapeutic processes are often delayed by the use of interpretations. Regardless of the disagreement as to the desirability or effect of inrerpretations, it is generally agreed that they do have a significant influence on the patient's behavior. Kanfer ( 1961 ) , for example, has found thac mean duration of speech may be significantly altered by interpretations. A behavioral analysis of the process might begin with rhe observation that an interpreration is a response made by the therapist to a certain class of behavior emitted by the patient. The influence of interpretations, or many other variables, might then be determined by a systematic observation of the reinforced class of response. The present study utilizes this approach in an attempt to investigate the effects of psychoanalytically-derived interpretations on verbal behavior.