Files and links (1)
Sivieri_Gino_19898.65 MB
PDF Restricted Access, VIEWABLE UPON REQUEST: contact archives@drexel.edu
Dissertation
The effectiveness of psychotherapy and its social context: clinical psychology faces its own identity
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Hahnemann University
Jun 1989
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00007625
Abstract
A review of the development of psychotherapy and clinical psychology is presented with an emphasis on their social-historical context. Through this review, clinical psychology's identification with scientific research as a defining feature of this independent profession is documented. It is noted that clinical psychology's research interests and growing involvement with the practice of therapy led to the professions' association with research-backed practice. Thus, when growing social-economic and legal concerns required evidence for the effectiveness of psychotherapy, the burden of proof fell largely on psychology. However, while practitioners have apparently paid little attention to applying often ambiguous research findings, policy makers have given them much emphasis. Unintended consequences of this situation are discussed. Many of these consequences are seen as attributable to characteristics of the scientific model adopted by psychology. Particularly salient features of this model include its conception of research as value-free and its neglect of social and cultural factors. It is concluded that clinical psychology developed an over-identification with a narrow conception of research which, when confronted with new demands, led to an identity crisis. Resolution of this crisis requires a broadening of identity such that clinical psychology is seen as a helping profession dealing with an enduring area of human need with few precise characteristics. A broader identity allows for an expanded view of science, as well as an appreciation of human values and respect for the influence of social context.
Metrics
11 Record Views
Details
- Title
- The effectiveness of psychotherapy and its social context
- Creators
- Gino Joseph Sivieri
- Awarding Institution
- Hahnemann University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Publisher
- Hahnemann University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- vi, 205 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Hahnemann University (1982-1993); Mental Health (Technology/Sciences) [Historical]; School of Health Sciences and Humanities (1988-1993); Psychology [Historical]
- Other Identifier
- 991021888766504721