Effectiveness of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy With Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Using a longitudinal, time-series design, this effectiveness study analyzed archival data collected as a routine part of clinical services and program evaluation at a community mental health clinic utilizing psychodynamic therapy with older adult clients (N = 106) in its Seniors Program. An empirical measure, the Outcome Questionnaire 45.2, was used to track progress and to examine the nature of change over time at 3-month intervals across 12 time points. The effect size was large (ES = .8) and participants showed little deterioration. Findings suggest that older clients can and do benefit from psychodynamic treatment offered in this format.

Keywords:

• effectiveness
• evidence-based practice
• geriatric mental health
• geropsychology
• intervention research
• longitudinal
• psychodynamic psychotherapy