Transference, insight, and the course of time-limited therapy.

Abstract

This study examined (a) the interactive role of therapist-rated transference and insight (in first session and first quarter of treatment) in predicting the outcome of time-limited therapy and (b) the course of therapist-rated transference and insight in more and less successful cases. The sample consisted of 33 completed cases. Although neither transference nor insight alone predicted outcome, the interaction of transference and emotional insight was significantly related to both client- and therapist-rated outcome. The course of negative transference and overall amount of transference differentiated more successful from less successful cases. In more successful cases, transference increased during the first three quarters of treatment and then declined, whereas in less successful cases, transference continued to increase throughout treatment.