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Abstract
Statistical significance is seen as limited for use in psychotherapy outcome research because it is based on group means and does not provide information on individual variability of outcome, nor does it address clinical significance. Clinical significance refers to the practical importance of patient change that occurs through psychotherapy. Jacobson, Follette & Revenstorf (1984a) have proposed a method for assessing clinical significance that is based on social validation. This paper will trace the development of clinical significance and its underlying social validation methodology. It will also examine criticisms of the method and the resulting extensions these have inspired. Finally, the current state of the method will be addressed and an example of clinical application will be given.