Nonspecific factors and theoretical choice.

Abstract

The contribution of nonspecific factors to therapeutic outcome are discussed in their relation to the adoption of a theoretical framework for psychotherapy. The position is taken that a theoretical choice must be made, both in order to bring some nonspecific factors into play, and to most responsibly remain aware of the value biases and messages inherent in one's therapeutic techniques. Suggestions are made about the teaching of psychological theory, and possibilities for research on values and theory in psychotherapy are proposed.

"Common factors" and "nonspecific variables": Clarification of the two concepts and recommendations for research.

“…The most potent explanatory factor is that the different forms of psychotherapy have major common elements-a helping relationship with a therapist is present in all of them, along with the other related, nonspecific effects such as suggestion and abreaction. (p. 1005) A number of other writers have implicitly or explicitly equated the two terms (Bergin & Lambert, 1978;Beutler, 1991;Cornsweet, 1983;Frances, Sweeney, & Clarkin, 1985;Frank, 1961;Omer, 1992;Omer & London, 1989;Safran & Segal, 1990;Strupp, 1973Strupp, , 1992. However, it is both surprising and confusing to note that the term nonspecific variables has been used with three related but distinct meanings.…”

Metamorphosis in psychotherapy: End of the systems era.

“…Pluralists see eclecticism as artificial and without conceptual foundation (Messer, 1986 a ), citing Pepper (1942) that “no synthetic combination of the legs of one specimen and the wings of another will ever move except as their fabricator pushes them about with his tweezers” (p. 112). In their view, eclecticism renders incoherent the therapeutic messages which bring order to the patient’s mental chaos (Cornsweet, 1983; Messer, 1986 a ).…”

Foundations for a systematic eclectic psychotherapy.

“…Even after the findings of the Vanderbilt study reported earlier (Strupp & Hadley, 1979), Strupp persisted in his refusal to accept the implications of the results of this study. As Cornsweet (1983) notes, "Strupp and Hadley do not interpret their results as evidence against the efficacy of technique" (p. 308).…”