Patients' self‐perceived strengths increase during treatment and predict outcome in outpatient cognitive behavioral therapy

Abstract

Objective Modern conceptualizations suggest the independence of positive and negative mental health constructs. Research of positive constructs in psychotherapy is scarce. This study analyzed the development of patients' strengths during psychotherapy and whether pre‐therapy strengths incrementally predict treatment outcome. Methods Two hundred and two patients (56.44% female, mean age = 42.49) treated by 54 therapists underwent cognitive behavioral therapy. Patients' strengths in different contexts as well as psychopathology, interpersonal problems, and self‐esteem were assessed at the beginning and end of therapy. Results Strengths increased in the contexts of everyday life (EvdayS; d = 0.44, p < 0.001) and current problems (ProbS; d = 0.70, p < 0.001). Strengths in the context of previous crises that were managed successfully (CrisesS) did not change. However, baseline scores of CrisesS were a significant incremental predictor of all outcomes. Conclusion A differentiated assessment of positive constructs is useful for outcome prediction and the implementation of strength‐based interventions.

A practice‐based study of relational virtues and alliance correspondence in psychodynamic psychotherapy

“…We also found a flourishing subgroup consistently high in gratitude and forgiveness throughout treatment (38.7% of the sample) that reported gains in well-being and low depression throughout treatment. This particular finding converges with research showing (a) that greater initial levels of perceived character strengths stemming from prior difficulties predicted lower symptoms and greater well-being at posttest (Schürmann-Vengels et al, 2022) and (b) evidence that a character strengths-reflection intervention improved well-being, particularly among those who showed higher initial levels of well-being (Dolev-Amit et al, 2021). In addition, we found a moderately healthy subgroup that showed a plateau of no change throughout treatment (50.6%).…”

Multidimensional assessment of strengths and their association with mental health in psychotherapy patients at the beginning of treatment

“…WIRF-CrisesS may be relevant to research that focuses on the description and etiology of mental health in clinical populations, as it seems to be less entwined with psychopathology and, therefore, may contribute to an increase in information ( Bos et al, 2016 ). Moreover, in the context of psychotherapy research, WIRF-CrisesS was found to be a significant predictor of treatment outcome beyond problem-associated measures ( Schürmann-Vengels et al, 2022 ).…”

A mental imagery micro-intervention to increase positive affect in outpatient CBT sessions (PACIfIC): Study protocol of a randomized controlled implementation trial

“…In our study we will use a total score of resources in the context of current problems (12 items). Item example: “I am dealing with my current difficulties and problems by – actively tackling tasks.” The scale has displayed good internal consistency (α = .88), evidence for convergent and divergent validity as well as evidence of change sensitivity in the course of psychotherapy ( Schürmann-Vengels et al, 2022 ; Victor et al, 2019 ).…”

“…The scale has displayed good internal consistency (α = .88), evidence for convergent and divergent validity as well as evidence of change sensitivity in the course of psychothera py (Schürmann-Vengels et al, 2022;Victor et al, 2019).…”