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A randomized clinical trial investigated the efficacy of interpretive and supportive forms of shortterm individual psychotherapy and the interaction of each form with the patient's quality of object relations (QOR) and psychological mindedness (PM). The psychiatric outpatient sample included 144 therapy completers and 27 dropouts. Eight experienced therapists provided distinct forms of manual-guided therapy. Outcome was assessed by a comprehensive battery. The dropout rate was higher for interpretive therapy than for supportive therapy. Patients in both forms improved, but they did not differ on outcome from each other. A multivariate interaction effect indicated a direct relation between QOR and outcome for interpretive therapy and almost no relation for supportive therapy. A multivariate main effect indicated a direct relation between PM and outcome for both forms. The relevance of patient personality to outcome in different forms of therapy is addressed.

The Edmonton Day Treatment Program offers a uniquely effective approach to two major problems. First, it has proven to be successful in the treatment of patients with personality disorders, a group which usually does not respond well to treatment. Second, by using time-limited, group-oriented day treatment, it maximizes scarce staff time and financial resources. Psychiatrists, therapists, clinicians, researchers, and administrators will find it an invaluable assistance in evaluating and developing similarly effective programs.

This article provides a review of research on the relationship between aspects of transference interpretation and outcome in dynamic psychotherapy. It also presents the results of a recently completed study that focused on 2 aspects of transference interpretations, concentration and correspondence. Significant relationships between each of these 2 aspects and both therapeutic alliance and outcome were found, as well as an interaction effect for outcome. The relationships differed as a function of the patient personality characteristic known as quality of object relations. The results concerning correspondence were consistent with those of previous studies that investigated the correctness of interpretations. The overall findings suggest that (a) variation in technique may make a difference in brief dynamic therapy and (b) variation and impact of technique may have been masked in some previous studies and reviews.