The Empirical Status of Psychoanalytic Treatment

Psychoanalysis has benefitted from the application of empirical research efforts to psychodynamic concepts and clinical interventions. One of the most striking examples of research into psychoanalytic concepts is the widespread integration of Bowlby’s attachment theory in developmental and social psychology research (e.g. Cassidy & Shaver, 2008). Other examples include research concerning defense mechanisms (Cramer, 2008) and unconscious mental processes (e.g. Bargh, 2007). When most people think about research and psychoanalytic therapy, the question of treatment effectiveness comes to mind. Fortunately, an accrual of studies and reviews of studies provides empirical support for the effectiveness of psychoanalytic psychotherapy (Doidge 1997a;Doidge, 1997b; Shedler, 2010).