Generic change indicators in therapeutic processes with different outcomes

AbstractObjectives: This paper analyzes the relationship between ongoing change and final outcome in therapies carried out in natural settings with 39 clients. Method: Ongoing change was assessed through generic change indicators (GCIs), an observational method designed to label the content of change moments by selecting one specific GCI from the sequence of 19 that covers from more rudimentary and low complexity to more elaborated and complex changes. These GCIs can also be grouped into three broad stages of change, according to their level of complexity. Productivity indicators were generated to account for the number of GCIs (total and grouped by stage) adjusted by the length of therapy and the respective individual production of GCIs. Outcome, in turn, is understood as the final result of therapy and was measured by Lambert's Outcome Questionnaire (OQ 45.2). Results: Using the Reliable Change Index of this measure, which qualifies the difference between initial and final scores, therapies were grouped...