Abstract:

Understanding the factors necessary for positive outcomes in psychotherapy for patients is critical for improving patients' life satisfaction and quality of life. Traditionally, researchers have examined intervention and patient characteristics related to symptom reduction to determine treatment outcome (Lambert & Anderson, 1996). Perhaps a more beneficial approach would be to include the reduction of symptoms as part of the overall determination of patient's health, and ultimately to judge psychotherapy outcome in quality of life terms. The variables examined in the present study included empowerment, authenticity, quality of life (QOL), comorbidity, negative psychological symptoms, social engagement, and coping. Three clinical instruments (combined into a single survey packet distributed to adult client participants) were used to measure these variables and pooled with scores from the clinician-rated Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF; APA, 1980). Graduate student clinicians associated with each clinical participant were asked to complete a brief GAF-based survey assessing clinician perception of client changes in well-being during treatment.

A total of 103 surveys were completed by 87 adults during initial (Time 1) and follow-up (Time 2) survey dispersal phases. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 65 years of age and the sample was multiethnic. All respondents were engaged in either individual or group therapy at the W. Gary Cannon Psychological Service Center, in Fresno, California. A stepwise multiple regression revealed that only coping was significantly related to clinician's perception of their client's functioning using the GAF. Results showed no significant change in patient well-being variables over time, only that clinician's perception of their client's functioning changed significantly between Time 1 and Time 2 measurements. Additionally, the findings supported previous research evidence that coping appraisal and techniques are integral to overall well-being and quality of life.