| dc.description.abstract | Background: Many sources describe the importance of the therapeutic alliance on the effect of psychological treatment. The therapeutic alliance could form a valuable predictor in the treatment of PTSD (-related symptoms). Also, outcome research indicates that the general trajectory of change in successful psychotherapy is highly predictable. Literature suggests that the predictability of treatment- outcome could differ for patients with different traumatization backgrounds. Aims: The aim of the current study was to determine whether therapeutic alliance can predict change in overall psychological wellbeing in the treatment of complex traumatized patients and if the change in overall psychological wellbeing during the first phase of treatment is indicative for overall treatment outcome. This study also focused on identifying differences between groups with different traumatization backgrounds (postwar generation, veterans, occupational, asylum-seekers and refugees and other) in the change of overall psychological wellbeing (deteriorated, unchanged or improved) during overall treatment. Methods: Ninety-two patients of Foundation Centrum ’45 participated in the current study, by regularly completing the Outcome- and Session Rating Scale. Results: The results indicate that therapeutic alliance can predict change in overall psychological wellbeing. Results further show that, for change in overall psychological wellbeing, the conditions ‘deteriorated’ and ‘unchanged’ are most predictable. Results show that across all groups, the conditions ‘no change’ and ‘deterioration’ are most predictable. Conclusion: The results of the study confirm the value of therapeutic alliance on the change in overall psychological wellbeing. Further, it was confirmed that change in overall psychological wellbeing of the overall treatment course can be predicted relatively well based on the type of change during the beginning of treatment. Future research is needed with a focus on bigger sample sizes and an extended timeframe. | |
