CERTAIN INITIAL VARIABLES AS PREDICTORS OF CHANGE WITH CLASSICAL PSYCHOANALYSIS

Studied the case loads of 28 analysts to determine predictors of change with psychoanalysis. Information was obtained by questionnaire. It was found that, while initial complaints are of little value in prediction success in analysis, they do relate to dropout from treatment. Motivational factors such as breadth and degree of discomfort, external stress, and chronicity of disorder relate to both success in analysis and dropout from treatment. It is concluded that, as long as symptoms are not extremely pathological, improvement in and commitment to analysis is determined by the pressure the disorder places on the patient. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.