Contextual assessment: evaluating a novel self-guided online therapeutic assessment. (1st June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Levis, Maxwell; Levis, Albert J.
• Is Part Of: International journal of psychiatry in clinical practice. Volume 25:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 206
• Page End: 215
• Publication Date: 2021-06-01
• Subjects: Psychology -- clinical -- psychotherapy -- psychological assessment -- personality assessment -- online therapy -- self-administered treatment; Mental illness -- Periodicals; Older people -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2020.1794010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1365-1501

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Paper introduces Conflict Analysis (CA), an online self-guided therapeutic assessment. CA combines a diagnostic self-report scale with narrative exercises and self-analytical tasks. CA automatically generates detailed diagnostic records and frameworks for changes. Objective: To evaluate therapeutic and diagnostic benefits associated with CA over time. Methods: This online study compared CA over 2 weeks on outcome measures predicting psychotherapy outcome. Novel scale measuring perceived diagnostic benefit and perceived therapeutic benefit was delivered at post and follow-up. Cohort (n = 59, average age = 35, 50% female) was either in therapy or interested to start therapy in near future. Results: Repeated-measure ANOVAs suggest that scores significantly changed on measures predicting negative affect, depression, performance and appearance self-esteem, insight, and growth initiative. Agreement rates on items measuring perceived diagnostic and therapeutic benefits were at least 74.5% for both post and follow-up. Conclusions: Evidence supports further exploration of CA as a self-guided diagnostic and therapeutic resource. Key points: Results demonstrate feasibility and utility of online self-guided therapeutic assessment. Described model is associated with increased perceived diagnostic and therapeutic benefits. Described model illustrates therapeutic benefits over time. Results demonstrate that even self-guided assessment can have therapeutic implications.