The clinical outcome literature on the efficacy of paradoxical interventions in psychotherapy over the last 7 years is critically reviewed. Following a brief examination of previous literature reviews, the existing studies are examined under one of three general headings: paradoxical intention studies, symptom prescription studies, and reframing studies. The review concludes with a general evaluation of the current standing of paradoxical interventions and a call for an increase in the quality and quantity of experimental outcome studies involving paradoxical techniques.
The cognitive mediation model of human psychological functioning has received increasing attention by researchers studying the role of cognitive variables in relationship distress. This study is an examination of the role of general irrational beliefs, as measured by the Irrational Beliefs Test (IBT; Jones, 1968), and relationship-specific irrational beliefs, as measured by the Relationship Belief Questionnaire (RBQ; Romans & DeBord, 1994), in predicting the perceived quality of relationships by married or cohabiting couples. Results indicated that respondents who reported higher levels of relationship-specific irrational beliefs also reported higher levels of dyadic adjustment; but contrary to expectation, higher levels of general irrational beliefs correlated with lower levels of dyadic adjustment. Implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the depressive realism hypothesis.
The cognitive mediation model of human psychological functioning has received increased attention in examining the role of cognitive variables within distressed relationships. Development of the Relationship Beliefs Questionnaire, designed to assess adherence to relationship-specific irrational beliefs, is described. In 370 subjects, factor analysis yielded nine factors which made conceptual sense. On the total scale Cronbach alpha was .95. These results are described in terms of research and practice applications.
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