Date of Conferral

2014

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Martha Giles

Abstract

The integrated psychotherapy model (IPM) is an insight-oriented, integrative therapeutic approach that weaves psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and humanistic approaches into a treatment methodology. This model is new and untested; therefore, its therapeutic effectiveness is unknown. The purpose of this study was to measure the treatment effectiveness of IPM using Bell's Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory, the Constructive Thinking Inventory, and the Working Alliance Inventory. Participants in the study included 19 undergraduate psychology students volunteering for extra credit and 11 clients of counseling psychology graduate students. This quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest, nonequivalent group study involved 9 sessions of IPM for the treatment group and 9 classes in a general psychology course for the comparison group. An analysis of covariance using the pre-post testing of object relations and reality testing, productive and unproductive thinking, and working alliance measured changes in these constructs and determined the therapeutic effectiveness of IPM. Results revealed that there were no differences between the experimental and comparison groups. Although no significant differences were demonstrated when comparing pre and post testing, this study demonstrated that 9 sessions of IPM did not harm those who underwent the treatment; this finding is positive given the need for further research to potentially validate the IPM as a new and effective integrative model for psychotherapy. It is recommended that a similar study be repeated with more seasoned IPM therapists, a longer treatment period, and the focus of change on client symptoms.

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