Positive variables in adult patients who are at different stages of a naturalistic psychotherapeutic treatment

Abstract

This study aimed twofold: 1) to study some positive variables (three paths to well-being, life satisfaction, overall well-being and meaning of life) in adult patients who are at different stages of a naturalistic cognitive behavioral psychotherapeutic treatment and 2) to analyze their relationship with the progress during treatment, therapeutic alliance and adherence to treatment from the therapist´s perspective. The sample was composed of 85 outpatients who were in psychotherapeutic treatment. Patients completed the Three Pathways to Well-being Scale, Meaning in Life Questionnaire, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Well-being Index and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. Therapists completed treatment related data and an opinion survey of patient´s progress, adherence to treatment and therapeutic relationship. Findings showed positive variables to be higher at the final stage of psychotherapy, particularly higher satisfaction with life, engagement, well-being, and presence of meaning in life. Higher positive variables were moderately associated with more progress during treatment according to therapist’s perspective; however a low association was found with adherence to treatment and therapeutic relationship. No differences were found in positive variables according the type of prevalent symptoms.