An exploration of the influence of relational and contemporary Freudian paradigms on the thinking and practice of beginning clinicians: A Q-methodological study.
Item
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Title
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An exploration of the influence of relational and contemporary Freudian paradigms on the thinking and practice of beginning clinicians: A Q-methodological study.
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Identifier
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AAI3231980
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identifier
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3231980
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Creator
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Gillman, Deborah A.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Paul Wachtel
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Date
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2006
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Psychology, Clinical
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Abstract
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This study used Q-methodology and a qualitative interview to explore the ideas and practices that guide beginning clinicians in the practice of psychodynamic psychotherapy with adults. The psychoanalytic literature variably suggests that beginners are drawn to newer relational approaches or that they are among the most conservative of clinicians. Lacking is empirical research on how trainees actually make sense of the challenges to theory and practice posed by relational paradigms or the degree to which contemporary Freudian paradigms continue to resonate. This study aimed to fill that gap.;Fifty-four Q-sort statements reflecting diverse theoretical paradigms were developed in consultation with experienced clinicians. Thirty doctoral students in clinical psychology completed the Q-sort, expressing their affinity for classically- or relationally-oriented approaches as well as for ideas and practices not easily categorized as either classical or relational.;The data revealed that the majority of participants gives relatively low priority to classically-oriented ideas and practices but does not wholly embrace a relational approach. The Q-sort statements with the broadest appeal were those that bridge orientations. Factor analysis yielded seven groupings of students according to the following views: (1) those committed to an egalitarian, collaborative approach to treatment; (2) those who consider their approach to be eclectic; (3) those influenced by object relations theory, who emphasize intra-psychic processes; (4) those who are preoccupied with therapist disclosure; (5) those with a classically-oriented view of the therapist's participation in the treatment dyad; (6) those most clearly allied with a relational approach, who prioritize therapist subjectivity; and (7) a final group of trainees who are difficult to categorize.;In interviews, participants discussed their Q-sort selections in light of their training. While trainees embrace concepts such as flexibility and the inevitable impact of countertransference, many are struggling to reconcile conflicting messages and contradictory impulses on the matters of therapist disclosure and neutrality. Also apparent in this sample was confusion about the parameters that distinguish orientations and the labels used to define them.;Results of this study are of special relevance for clinical supervisors and educators aiming to influence and support the next generation of psychodynamic clinicians.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
