A Key Role for Case Studies: Theory Building

This article provides an integrative introduction to a PCSP journal issue on using case studies to develop theory. The case studies explore a variety of conceptual models, including two-person relational theory in psychoanalysis (Messer, 2011); interpersonal defense theory (Westerman, 2011); and assimilation theory (Schlieke, Stiles, et al. [2011]; and Gray & Stiles [2011]). In addition, the case studies include a variety of types of clinical psychopathology and therapy orientations. We note that the articles represent two different ways in which therapy transcript material can be employed in theory building: by focusing in on a small amount of clinical material to study detailed process in a single session (Messer; Westerman); or by analyzing an extensive amount of transcript material across many sessions to study positive change over the course of therapy (Schielke, Stiles, et al.; Gray & Stiles). Overall, we believe that this journal issue illustrates the impressive potential of case studies in advancing theory building.