Abstract
The authors examined the relation between specific defense mechanisms and treatment process and outcome in psychodynamic psychotherapy. Three measures, Questionnaire for Conflict Coping Strategies, Questionnaire on the Experience of the Inpatient Therapeutic Process, and Symptom Checklist-90-R, were given to 65 inpatients of a psychosomatic clinic, predominantly with depressive or eating disorders. Turning against self was the most frequently used defense mechanism in the patient group. A high level of turning against self that could be reduced significantly during treatment was associated with good adaptation to treatment setting and positive treatment outcome defined by symptom distress reduction. Assessment of defense mechanisms and their interaction with therapeutic factors in the therapy setting can be useful to better understand the treatment process and the subsequent development of specific interventions to enhance treatment outcome.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
