Patient Reflective Functioning as Predictor of Early Psychotherapy Process in the Treatment of Depression

• Aims: Despite considerable clinical attention to the concept of mentalization in psychotherapy, research on mentalization and the psychotherapy process is virtually absent. Using data from two ongoing randomized controlled trials of psychotherapy for depression, we studied mentalization in 45 patients diagnosed with DSM-IV Major Depressive Disorder. The initial psychotherapy process was hypothesized to be experienced as more difficult with patients showing lower capacity for mentalization because of their difficulty understanding behavior in terms of mental states.Methods: Mentalization was measured as Reflective Functioning (RF) on the Adult Attachment Interview, conducted before therapy start. Additionally, a measure of Depression-Specific Reflective Functioning (DSRF) measuring mentalization about depressive symptoms was tested. Psychotherapy process was measured by the Working Alliance Inventory – Short form (WAI-S) and the Feeling Checklist (FC), which were completed after each session by both therapist and patient.Results: Pre-treatment RF on the AAI was on average low (M = 3.1), but variation in RF did not predict any aspect of the initial (first four sessions) psychotherapy process. Higher DSRF predicted better working alliance and more positive feelings as rated by the patient. RF on the AAI did not predict any process measure significantly.Discussion: The low RF in depression replicates two previous studies, and may help explaining why maternal depression is a risk factor for infant developmental problems. If the results for DSRF are replicated, this measure might be used for identifying patients who are not easy candidates for psychotherapy.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Psychotherapy process

mentalization

reflective functioning

alliance

depression

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

ovr (subject category)