engleski

Have specific populations of potential clients different expectations about process and roles in psychotherapy?

Clients' expectations about treatment, including beliefs about therapy process, duration, and roles, are among essential cognitive factors influencing psychotherapy process and outcome. Unmet expectations increase treatment drop-out. Furthermore, discrepancies between patients’ and therapists’ expectations have a negative effect on therapy process, outcome and the quality of therapeutic alliance. Since most studies have focused on treatment expectations in relation to therapy outcome, the aim of this study was to examine whether specific populations of clients are more likely to have certain expectations about therapy process and roles. Data have been acquired via Internet survey published on the Internet and Facebook page of Croatian Association for Behavioral-Cognitive Therapies. Survey covered questions regarding sociodemographic data, psychological problems, psychotherapy experience, and relevant treatment expectations. A total of 201 participants completed the survey of which 169 were female. Over 80% of participants reported having considered psychotherapy treatment at some time, and over 70% reported having some psychological problems. Results show that participants differ in their expectations about therapy. Men more often expect that they will begin solving their problem on the first therapy session. Higher educated participants more often expect greater personal engagement in therapy. Older participants less frequently expect that the therapist might suggest taking medication. Those reported having low self- esteem more often expect that therapy will be uncomfortable experience, whereas those reported to be depressed more often expect less engagement from the therapist. According to the cognitive- behavioral model, unmet unrealistic expectation might result in negative conclusions about the efficacy of therapy, self-efficacy, and consequently premature termination. Negative expectations can decrease potential clients’ willingness to seek treatment and actively participate in it. Therapists should be sensible to patients’ beliefs about therapy, especially having in mind that certain groups of clients are more likely to have distorted and unrealistic expectations. Those expectations are to be identified, examined, and if necessary corrected.

psychotherapy ; expectations ; psychotherapy process ; psychotherapy roles ; cognitive-behavioral therapy

nije evidentirano