cognitive behavioural therapyexistential psychologyexistential therapies evidence baseexperimental existential psychologyintolerance of uncertaintyphenomenological researchtherapeutic relationship
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Abstract (AI)
This chapter discusses both natural science, quantitatively based, studies of existential issues as well as the use of human science and phenomenologically based research on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). In addition, the issue of the evidence base for existential therapies is reviewed. The new field of 'experimental existential psychology' is critically discussed as well as a range of other transdiagnostic issues such as intolerance of uncertainty and how these can be related to themes and issues in existential phenomenology. Phenomenological studies of the clients' experience of CBT reveal that clients often experience helpful CBT in terms of the centrality of the therapeutic relationship and see positive change as a way of being rather than the reduction in isolated symptoms.
Key Findings
1
'Experimental existential psychology' is a new field that is critically discussed, indicating unresolved methodological or conceptual issues.
2
Phenomenological studies show clients often value CBT primarily for the therapeutic relationship and for fostering a changed way of being rather than merely reducing isolated symptoms.
3
The chapter reviews both quantitative natural-science studies and phenomenological human-science research on existential issues and CBT.
4
The evidence base for existential therapies is critically examined, implying limitations or contested support.
5
Transdiagnostic constructs like intolerance of uncertainty are related to themes in existential phenomenology.
Research Object
Existential psychology (studies and therapies addressing existential issues)
Research Subject
Comparative investigation of empirical approaches and therapeutic processes: natural-science quantitative studies, phenomenological human-science research on CBT, evidence base for existential therapies, and transdiagnostic themes (e.g., intolerance of uncertainty) linking experimental existential psychology with existential phenomenology
Publication Details
Publication Date
2022-10-07
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