The social network of the psychotherapy patient and effective psychotherapeutic process.

Abstract

We discuss the theoretical relationship between the social networks of psychotherapy patients and effective psychotherapeutic process. We argue that this network of significant and meaningful ties constitutes a potentially powerful influence on the way an individual interacts with other social systems, including the psychotherapy service delivery system. While noting that there is a common awareness of a causal link between the social forces of networks and individual's responses to treatment, we point out that interpersonal linkages have not yet been developed as a major class of independent variable and then systematically examined by psychotherapy researchers. We delineate network characteristics thought to be particularly relevant to several common elements of effective psychotherapeutic process, and then present findings from social network/psychotherapy studies suggesting that the role of the social network of psychotherapy patients is not only important in theory, but also to successful psychotherapy. These examinations of the connections between psychotherapeutic process and the existing social network in which the patient is embedded suggest a potentially fruitful integration of clinical and social psychology.

Examining motivational interviewing from a client agency perspective

“…It is also likely that successful clients use external resources to enhance the effects of their treatment experiences. The availability of supportive friends and family members is known to predict treatment-seeking behavior (Bankoff & Howard, 1992), and clients tend to consult with their support groups more frequently after beginning psychotherapy (Cross, Sheehan, & Kahn, 1980). Individuals commonly turn to selfhelp materials when seeking change.…”

Pre-treatment social support and effective psychotherapeutic process: A panel study.

“…The Model of Social Network Inputs to the Therapeutic Process (Bankoff & Howard, 1992) conceptualizes the ways in which a patient's ties with significant others affect his/her participation in and contribution to therapeutic process. Regardless of specific treatment goals, psychotherapy is one means by which self-initiated efforts to change are facilitated, promoted, effected, and even demanded.…”

Improving the effects of psychotherapy: The use of early identification of treatment and problem-solving strategies in routine practice.

“…This information is consistent with findings that report that 40% of the variance in therapy outcome is due to extratherapeutic factors (Lambert, 1992). For clients with inadequate social support, therapists may need to identify the resources that they already have in their current life and attempt to activate or modify them to achieve a better treatment outcome (Bankoff & Howard, 1992).…”