Psychoanalytic Studies of Change

Book excerpt: Psychoanalytic Studies of Change presents recent studies of the process and outcome of psychoanalytic therapy with an integrative perspective. A recurrent challenge in the discussion of therapeutic outcome is the gap between empirical, quantitative studies, reporting results on a group level, and the clinician’s interest in complex mechanisms of change presupposing microanalysis of dynamic interaction processes. This book bridges that gap via dynamic contributions from a variety of authors. Quantitative and qualitative studies are connected, epistemological and conceptual research is emphasized as specific domains, and in-depth clinical case studies are highlighted. The book comprises several new contributions to epistemology and conceptual research, as well as chapters discussing the challenge of combining qualitative and quantitative methods in studying process and outcome. Psychoanalytic Studies of Change will not only meet a need specifically within psychoanalysis for up-to-date research but also provide an overview of the latest empirical research on psychoanalysis for a broader clinical and academic group of readers. It will appeal to psychoanalysts in practice and in training.