The association of psychological resources and personality traits with preference for psychotherapy models: evidence from two explorative studies

Abstract

Background: The number of theoretical approaches in the field of psychotherapy has been steadily increasing. Considering the influential role that the chosen model plays in clinical practice, the examination of variables associated with the selection of theoretical orientation appears to be highly significant. Previous research has underlined the impact of personal characteristics on this choice, but findings remain scarce and inconclusive. The general aim of this research was to explore the differences in psychological and personality characteristics based on preferences for theoretical orientations among both students and psychotherapists. Method: Two exploratory studies were implemented to pursue this goal. Study 1 involved 120 Italian Psychology Students (Mean age = 23 years; Standard Deviation = 6.01), and participants of Study 2 were 217 Italian psychotherapists (Mean age = 41 years; Standard Deviation = 8.79). Both the samples completed the Insight Orientation Scale, Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale and Ten-Item Personality Inventory. In addition, study participants also fulfilled a demographic and informative section that encompassed queries concerning their attitudes on diverse theoretical orientations. In Study 2, respondents also completed the Therapist Self-Efficacy Scale. Results: Among students, preferences for psychotherapy models were not significantly associated with personality traits or self-esteem. However, those who considered the psychoanalytic/psychodynamic models to be the most effective showed higher levels of insight orientation than those favouring integrative approaches. Among psychotherapists, those aligned with integrative and psychoanalytic/psychodynamic models showed higher conscientiousness than those oriented toward Cognitive/ Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Integrative psychotherapists also reported greater agreeableness and self-efficacy than the Cognitive/Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy ones. Finally, associations between personal characteristics and the levels of professional self-efficacy within each considered psychotherapist model were highlighted. Conclusions: Although the exploratory nature and cross-sectional design of the studies invite cautious interpretation and encourage further confirmatory research, these findings may have useful practical implications, by providing insight to elaborate tailored orientation programs, training, and supervisions for psychotherapists within different theoretical orientations.

Keywords

• personality
• professional self-efficacy
• psychological features
• psychotherapy approach
• psychotherapy models
• theoretical orientation.