Theoretical orientation as a personality trait.
Item
-
Title
-
Theoretical orientation as a personality trait.
-
Identifier
-
AAI3310751
-
identifier
-
3310751
-
Creator
-
MacLennan, Katharine.
-
Contributor
-
Adviser: Paul Wachtel
-
Date
-
2008
-
Language
-
English
-
Publisher
-
City University of New York.
-
Subject
-
Psychology, Clinical
-
Abstract
-
This study aims to explore the meaning of theoretical orientation among psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral doctoral students, looking specifically at the extent to which personal considerations play a role in theoretical identity. It was hypothesized that choice of theoretical orientation among psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapists would be informed by personal interpretation and judgment and that the two groups of therapists would differ along specific dimensions of personality.;Data were collected from 30 doctoral students in clinical psychology who identified their orientation as psychodynamic or cognitive behavioral. A personality measure (NEO-Five Factor Inventory; Costa and McCrae, 1986), a test of ambiguity tolerance (MAT-50; Norton, 1975), a projective test (Early Memories Test; Mayman, 1968), and a semi-structured interview were used to create a profile of each participant. Univariate ANOVAS were performed in order to determine differences between the two groups. Qualitative analyses were performed on early memory and interview data to provide further perspective on quantitative findings.;Findings show that, although psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapists share many personality characteristics and influences on their choice of theoretical orientation, there are also significant differences between these two groups. Significant differences were found in the NEO-FFI domain of Openness where those therapists who identified as psychodynamic showed significantly higher likelihood of manifesting traits associated with Openness than cognitive behavioral therapists. Psychodynamic therapists also scored significantly higher in ambiguity tolerance on the MAT-50. Qualitative analyses of early memory and interview data revealed how theoretical orientation serves not only as a set of guidelines that reflect the needs of the patient, but also as a framework in which each therapist has grounded her personal world-view.;These findings bring attention to the ways that the theoretical identities of psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapists are informed by personal proclivities and personality traits. This is particularly important to consider when making comparisons between the contributions of psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral clinicians, and will hopefully lead to further exploration of the ways these differences impact psychotherapy training, treatment, and research.
-
Type
-
dissertation
-
Source
-
PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
-
degree
-
Ph.D.
