CLINICALLY SIGNIFICANT CHANGE - PRACTICAL INDICATORS FOR EVALUATING PSYCHOTHERAPY OUTCOME

Developing procedures to evaluate the clinical significance of psychot herapy outcome is imperative. We see social validation as the most pro mising, viable methodology in this endeavor. Several concerns have bee n raised, however, about our proposed extensions. In this article, we illuminate and reassert the importance of generating and using multipl e normative samples, and the utility of our statistical extensions. We address the limitations of procedural error and skewed sample distrib utions. Finally we see our commentary as a call for extensive study of the relationship between scores on standard outcome instruments and c lient's life functioning. We trust our commentary will continue to sti mulate healthy dialogue on this crucial topic.