Psykoterapian vaikutus minäkäsitykseen : psykoterapian käynnistämän muutosprosessin vaikutus korkeakouluopiskelijoiden minäkäsitykseen

The study examines change in self-concept in patients after receiving individual psychotherapy. The survey sample consisted of 279 patients drawn from among the outpatients of mental health services for students from five universities. Clients of the dental health care units for students from the same five universities were used as a reference group (n = 201). The methods for gathering data were the observations of their therapists (n = 27), in addition to certain standardized tests. The subjects filled in questionnaires at the beginning of their therapy, at six months and two years thereafter and at the end of the therapy period. The problem was to identify changes in the different functions of the self. In order to measure and explain a patients's self-concept and possible changes in it during psychotherapy certain variables in which the self-concept was thought to be reflected were chosen. The dependent variables were symptoms, Beck's Depression Inventory, Self-image test, and general progress during therapy. The independent variables were type of therapy, type of disorders and quality of therapeutic relationship. The purpose was to study the extent to which the independent variables explained changes in the dependent variables and the dominant associations subsisting between them. In order to seek associations between independent and dependent variables log-linear models were used. Statistical analyses were performed using a GLIM computer programme. Despite clear and statistically very significant differences in changes in the evaluations of the dependent variables during psychotherapy, few partial associations were found between dependent and independent variables. Self-concept and changes in it appears to be so complex and global phenomenon that no one specific research variable can encompass it. Of the four dependent variables "general progress during therapy" had the greatest explanatory value.