Self-Concept Improvement During and After Short-Term Anxiety-Provoking Psychotherapy: A Preliminary Growth Curve Study

Using hierarchical linear model procedures (Bryk & Raudenbush, 1987, 1992) growth curve analyses were performed to examine the course, rate, and correlates of self-concept development during 20 sessions long short-term anxiety-provoking psychotherapy (STAPP; Sifneos, 1992) and a two-year posttermination period. The control coefficient from the SASB Introject Questionnaire (Benjamin, 1984) were used to capture aspects of client self-concept. The sample consisted of 13 clients suitable for STAPP and with mainly anxiety diagnoses. Therapists were in postgraduate manual-guided STAPP training. Results showed that self-concept improvement during as well as after treatment occurred at a steady yet significantly variable rate among clients. Clients showed significant growth toward self-freeing after termination of therapy. This growth was faster for clients with greater initial symptom improvement. This finding is discussed in relation to Howard's three-phase model of psychotherapy outcome.