Do general therapy change principles represent causal relationships?

• In his reply to our critique of the idea to integrate psychotherapies on the basis of general therapy change principles (TCPs), Goldfried (2014) maintains that these principles represent causal connections. In this comment, we argue that attributing a causal status to the TCPs involves seeing them as latent constructs, which is associated with a number of conceptual problems. A causal network analysis of observable symptoms, targets of change, and procedures, explained within a causal schema, appears to be a viable alternative. We further argue that the TCPs seem to represent something we know about humans by being human. Denial of these principles makes no sense. Thus, they lack the hallmark of empirical propositions that their denial is logically possible. Consequently, the TCPs cannot be refuted by experience.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

A priori knowledge; Causality; General therapy change principles

Psychology

Psykologi

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

art (subject category)