THERAPEUTIC PROCESS IN DYNAMIC THERAPY FOR PERSONALITY-DISORDERS - THE JOINT INFLUENCE OF ACUTE DISTRESS AND DYSFUNCTION AND SEVERITY OF PERSONALITY PATHOLOGY

Although a variety of treatment outcome studies have demonstrated an a ssociation between personality disorder and poor treatment outcome, fe w have empirically elucidated the psychotherapy processes underlying t his relationship. In the present paper we address questions about the relationship between personality pathology, acute distress and dysfunc tion, and early psychotherapy process as conceptualized in the Generic Model of Psychotherapy, Overall, severity of personality disturbance was directly related to more frequent interventive activity whereas ac ute distress and dysfunction was associated with attenuated openness. Psychotherapy process was also influenced by interactions between pers onality pathology and acute distress and dysfunction. The discussion h ighlights the complexity of the factors related to the psychotherapy p rocesses associated with successful treatment of patients suffering fr om personality pathology.