Examining the Effectiveness of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective: A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). Method: Hierarchical linear modeling software was used to synthesize the primary studies to calculate an overall effect size estimate and test for between-study variability. Results: Solution-focused brief therapy demonstrated small but positive treatment effects favoring SFBT group on the outcome measures (d = 0.13 to 0.26). Only the magnitude of the effect for internalizing behavior problems was statistically significant at the p < .05 level, thereby indicating that the treatment effect for SFBT group is different than the control group. Conclusions: This study allows social workers interested in solution-focused brief therapy to examine the empirical evidence quickly and with more definitive information.

Effective patient–clinician interaction to improve treatment outcomes for patients with psychosis: a mixed-methods design

“…It provides a guide for clinicians on how to respond to patients' concerns and reach shared agreements on actions. This approach is based on principles of SFT, which previous findings suggest is effective in treating a wide range of disorders, 51,52 requires a short time span 51 and focuses on the personal and social resources of patients rather than their deficits. 53,66 The original DIALOG trial also differed methodologically in that there was no active control, it assessed outcomes after 1 year only, and there was no blinding of outcome assessors.…”

“…SFT is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, because of the 'brief' nature of its training and generic approach that can be widely applied to different contexts, with a modest body of evidence for its effectiveness. [51][52][53] The aim of the current study was to develop a new and more extensive version of the DIALOG interventionthe 'DIALOG+' intervention -through the addition of a simple and robust manual for clinicians on how to respond to information gauged through the DIALOG assessment, informed by principles of CBT and SFT. This manual would guide clinicians in using the data arising from the DIALOG assessment to inform further discussion during the meeting, with a focus on tackling problems and identifying solutions.…”

The Efficiency of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy on Adjustment Problems of Female Students in Amol, Iran

“…Having applied the SFBT intervention, teachers and students reported significant improvement in the children's behavior problems according to standardized measures presented in Child Behavior Checklist and Youth Self-report Form. Kim's study showed that SFBT was effective in coping with internalizing behavior problems such as anxiety, depression, self-concept and self-esteem, but not in externalizing behavior problems such as conduct problems, hyperactivity and aggression, and in coping with family and relationship problems (25). Reddy et al, found decreased depression and significant improvement in academic performance of an adolescent girl with moderate depression undergoing SFBT (16).…”

Solution-focused psychiatry

“…Similar findings emerged from Kim's meta-analysis of 22 studies. 5 In the overview of outcome studies by Macdonald 6 (update available at www.solutionsdoc.co.uk), 80 evaluation studies have extended from 2 weeks to 6 years, and include 2 metaanalyses, 9 randomised controlled trials and 27 comparison studies. Comparison treatments have included short-term and long-term psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy and programmes for substance misuse.…”