A single-case study on the process and outcome of psychoanalysis

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the specificity of psychoanalytic treatment by investigating one psychoanalysis over a period of its five years as well as two and five years after its termination. The patient and analyst were interviewed and the analyzand filled out questionnaires and self-rating scales every year during the treatment as well as at the follow-ups. The analyzand reported that he found “a space for himself in himself” in which he could contain a range of strong affects. The psychoanalytic relationship was stable and consistent, and the patient's initial complaints decreased significantly over time. “Reflective functioning scores” increased during the treatment; the self-ratings already showed positive changes in the first year of treatment, which were maintained throughout treatment as well as at the two- and five -year follow-ups.

Key words:

• psychotherapy research
• outcome-process study
• mentalization reflective functioning