The utility of empirically supported treatments.

How does a psychotherapist decide what treatment approach is most appropriate for a client? This issue has been addressed by the Division 12 Task Force on Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures (1995) and has stimulated considerable debate among psychologists about the importance of identifying, teaching, and practicing empirically supported treatments (ESTs). This article examines recent literature supporting both sides of this issue in an attempt to identify and understand the arguments in favor of and against the movement to identify and implement ESTs and their treatment manuals. On the basis of current research related to ESTs, recommendations are offered pertaining to practice, research, and training. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Empirically supported treatments in psychology: Implications for Canadian professional psychology.

Examines several interconnected efforts to develop evidence-based practice in professional psychology. We first review the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 12 (Clinical Psychology) Task Force on the Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures' development of criteria and listings for empirically supported psychological treatments. Next, we present related efforts to develop procedures to identify treatments that have established efficacy and to develop practice guidelines. The possible impact of these initiatives on Canadian professional psychology in the domains of training, credentialing, practice, and research are then examined. Finally, we present recommendations for steps that should be taken by Canadian psychology organizations to respond to these initiatives in order to ensure that psychological practice in Canada is optimally supported by scientific evidence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Alcohol use disorders and the Division 12 Task Force of the American Psychological Association.

The Division 12 Task Force on Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures promulgated guidelines to identify treatments with empirical support for effectiveness. No treatment for alcohol abuse or dependence was rated as efficacious; 4 treatments for other drug use disorders were rated "probably efficacious." The alcohol treatment research community has questioned why alcohol treatments with strong empirical support are not in the task force's list. This article presents results of the application of task force standards to 13 major psychosocial alcohol treatments viewed as having strong empirical support. Brief intervention and relapse prevention met task force criteria for "efficacious" treatments. However, in 1996, when the task force last published a list of empirically supported treatments (D. L. Chambless et al., 1996), there were insufficient published studies meeting task force criteria for these 2 treatments. Motivational enhancement met criteria to be rated "probably efficacious." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cookbooks, manuals, and paint-by-numbers: Psychotherapy in the 90's.

Critically reviews the Division 12 Task Force Report on Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures and its update report and uses these reports as illustrative of flaws in contemporary psychotherapy research. The Task Force makes sweeping generalizations based on a paucity of research evidence. It does not address the issue of validation of manualization, nor the controversy over using manuals in psychotherapy. The complexities associated with measuring and assessing outcome are also ignored. Flaws common in contemporary psychotherapy displayed in the Task Force Report include the Type III Error, the exclusivity myth, "methodolatry," and oversimplification of the concept of outcome. While so flawed as to be of dubious value for researchers or practitioners, the Report and its accompaniments are worrisome in their potential appeal to those who might want to limit the use of psychotherapies only to those "validated" by the Task Force. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy with adult ethnic minority clients: A review.

Practicing psychologists may question the relevance of cognitive- behavioral treatments for their ethnic minority clients. Many cognitive- behavioral treatments are listed as empirically supported treatments by the Task Force on the Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures (D. L. Chambless et al., 1998). However, the samples in these effectiveness studies are composed primarily of White European American individuals. There is a paucity of research examining the effectiveness of cognitive- behavioral therapy (CBT) for ethnic minority clients. The author reviews the current literature on the use of CBT with ethnic minority clients living in the United States, specifically those of African, Asian, and Hispanic/Latino descent. Twelve studies are reviewed that examined the effectiveness of CBT for ethnic minority participants with a variety of psychological disorders. Recommendations for conducting and evaluating clinical outcome research that includes ethnic minority participants are provided. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Let us move ahead together: Commentary on "Empirically supported treatments in psychology: Implications for Canadian professional psychology."

The impact on Canadian professional psychological treatment practices of the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 12 (Clinical Psychology) Task Force on the Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures' development of criteria and listings for empirically supported psychological treatments, along with other industrial efforts to standardize the identification of treatments with established efficacy is described in the article by J. Hunsley et al (see record 1999-01869-001). P. A. Pilkonis comments here on these efforts with an eye towards both producing additional information in support of the new practice criteria and establishing grounds for future progress and collaboration, especially in the research arena. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Practicing psychologists’ reflections on evidence-based practice in psychology.

An American Psychological Association (APA) policy definition of evidence-based practice in psychology (EBPP) states that practice based on evidence must consider the best available research, use clinical expertise, and consider client contextual variables (APA Presidential Task Force, 2006). The researchers qualitatively examined clinical and counseling psychologists’ attitudes toward EBPP using grounded theory. The study explored the extent to which the official view of EBPP reflects current psychological practice as well as whether EBPP is an idealistic definition to work toward. An examination of themes from this research yielded evidence that the framework for EBPP is in place, although many participants initially confused EBPP with research. Psychologists will benefit from an open-minded review of the official APA policy definition and from considering how the policy may affect their practice and interactions with managed care providers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Pathology of the Pericarbon bovine pericardial xenograft implanted in humans

Reviews psychosocial interventions for child and adolescent conduct problems, including oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder, to identify empirically supported treatments. Eighty-two controlled research studies were evaluated using the criteria developed by the Division 12 (Clinical Psychology) Task Force on Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures. The 82 studies were also examined for specific participant, treatment, and methodological characteristics to describe the treatment literature for child and adolescent conduct problems. Two interventions were identified that met the stringent criteria for well-established treatments: videotape modeling parent training program (Spaccarelli, Cotler, & Penman, 1992; Webster-Stratton, 1984, 1994) and parent-training programs based on Patterson and Gullion's (1968) manual Living With Children (Alexander & Parsons, 1973; Bernal, Klinnert, & Schultz, 1980; Wiltz & Patterson, 1974). Twenty of the 82 studies were identified as supporting the efficacy of probably efficacious treatments.     

Realpolitik and the empirically validated treatment debate.

The impact on Canadian professional psychological treatment practices of the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 12 (Clinical Psychology) Task Force on the Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures' development of criteria and listings for empirically supported psychological treatments, along with other industrial efforts to standardize the identification of treatments with established efficacy is described in the article by J. Hunsley et al (see record 1999-01869-001). M. C. King comments on the aforementioned article by expanding on the likely impact of these initiatives on practice patterns of psychotherapy in Canada. The outline of directions for practice in Canada is clearer than Hunsley et al claim, so much so that Canadian developments are quite similar to some of the US directions. King claims that it is essential for Canadian psychology to adhere to the proposed policies, and to shape how they will be used to affect funding of and access to psychological treatments. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Evidence-based practice in psychology.

The evidence-based practice movement has become an important feature of health care systems and health care policy. Within this context, the APA 2005 Presidential Task Force on Evidence-Based Practice defines and discusses evidence-based practice in psychology (EBPP). In an integration of science and practice, the Task Force's report describes psychology's fundamental commitment to sophisticated EBPP and takes into account the full range of evidence psychologists and policymakers must consider. Research, clinical expertise, and patient characteristics are all supported as relevant to good outcomes. EBPP promotes effective psychological practice and enhances public health by applying empirically supported principles of psychological assessment, case formulation, therapeutic relationship, and intervention. The report provides a rationale for and expanded discussion of the EBPP policy statement that was developed by the Task Force and adopted as association policy by the APA Council of Representatives in August 2005. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Is evidence-based practice diverse enough? Philosophy of science considerations.

In its policy rationale for evidence-based practice in psychology (EBPP), the APA Presidential Task Force on Evidence-Based Practice (see record 2006-05893-001) claims to have constituted itself with "scientists and practitioners from a wide range of perspectives and traditions, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the field" (p. 273). We applaud this attention to diversity but contend that an entire perspective of the debate was omitted in the Task Force's newly approved policy and its underlying report. The failure to consider a philosophy of science perspective led the Task Force to make a number of epistemological assumptions that are not based on evidence or rationale and that thus violate the very spirit of evidence-based decision making. In this comment, we reveal a few of these assumptions and discuss their detrimental consequences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Empirically supported psychological treatments: A natural extension of the scientist–practitioner paradigm.

The impact on Canadian professional psychological treatment practices of the American Psychological Association's Division 12 (Clinical Psychology) Task Force's development of criteria and listings for empirically supported psychological treatments, along with other industrial efforts to standardize the identification of treatments with established efficacy is described in the article by J. Hunsley et al (see record 1999-01869-001). C. M. Morin voices comments on some aspects of the article which may need further thought. The reasons for, and utility of such a movement toward empirically supported treatment (ESTs) is investigated. The defining characteristics of an EST (from the Task Force's perspective) are subject for debate. Why have only 2 categories of ESTs (well established empirical support vs probably efficacious)? The implications of the adoption of EST-based systems will reverberate throughout training, practice, and public health policies. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Toward more evidence-based guidelines for psychology.

Comments on the guidelines developed by the American Psychological Association (APA)'s Presidential Task Force on the Assessment of Age-Consistent Memory Decline and Dementia (see record 1998-11439-016). The present authors contend that the evidentiary basis for specific guidelines is limited especially with regard to discussion of collateral sources of information in the evaluation of dementia and cognitive decline. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The science and practice of empirically supported treatments.

The impact on Canadian professional psychological treatment practices of the American Psychological Association""s Division 12 (Clinical Psychology) Task Force""s development of criteria and listings for empirically supported psychological treatments, along with other industrial efforts to standardize the identification of treatments with established efficacy is described in the article by J. Hunsley et al (see record 1999-01869-001). Here Hunsley et al extend their previous discussion and reply to other commentaries (see records 1999-01869-002, 1999-01869-003, 1999-01869-004, 1999-01869-005, 1999-01869-006) by viewing the current emphases in the Canadian health care system on accountability and empirically supported treatment (ESTs) as an unparalleled opportunity for professional psychology to deliver on its birthright. The generalizability of US experiences to Canadian contexts is discussed. Clinical practice guidelines should and will become the norm for providing evidence-based services in psychology, yet it would be impossible to develop such a guideline without empirical evidence proving that there are "best" interventions for a given problem. Canadian research issues in this light are discussed along with future challenges to professional psychology in Canada. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Through a new lens: Contemporary psychological perspectives on school completion and dropping out of high school.

In 1996, the American Psychological Association (APA) recommended that the association work to "increase the participation of psychology and psychologists in assisting in national, state, and local efforts to prevent school drop-out" (APA, 1996). The purpose of this special issue is to describe the psychological scholarship that must underlie these efforts, as it has been reflected in the work of an Interdivisional Task Force on School Dropout Prevention. This article describes the complex understanding of high school completion that emerged from Task Force discussions, and the implications this has for efforts to prevent school dropout and promote school completion. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychotherapy research with ethnic minorities: Empirical, ethical, and conceptual issues.

There is an increasing demand for psychotherapy among ethnic minority populations. Yet, there is not adequate evidence that empirically supported therapies (ESTs) are effective with ethnic minorities. Ethical guidelines suggest that psychotherapies be modified to become culturally appropriate for ethnic minority persons. Conceptual approaches have identified interdependence, spirituality, and discrimination as considerations for culturally sensitive therapy (CST). However, there is no more empirical support for the efficacy of CSTs than there is for the efficacy of ESTs with ethnic minority populations. The chasm between EST and CST research is a function of differences between methods and researchers in these 2 traditions. Specific recommendations for research collaboration between CST and EST researchers are offered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Evidence-based practice in psychology.

This article focuses on the 2005 American Psychological Association Presidential Task Force on Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology. After describing the rationale and results of this task force, the authors review the literature that has appeared following the approval of the Policy Statement on Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology by the American Psychological Association Council of Representatives, with reference to the implications for practitioners. Finally, the authors discuss the implications of the Policy Statement on Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology for graduate students and early career professionals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Award for Distinguished Contributions to the International Advancement of Psychology.

Discusses contributions made by Henry P. David, 1992 recipient of the Award for Distinguished Contributions to the International Advancement of Psychology awarded by the American Psychological Association (APA). David has facilitated interactions of psychology with mental health and population concerns worldwide, combining scientific, professional, and public interests to improve public health policies and individual well-being. For the last 25 yrs, his work has been devoted to research in reproductive behavior, including research on Czechoslovakian children whose mothers had been denied abortions. He asserts that access to a safe abortion is a women's right and has served as chair of the APA Task Force on Psychology, Family Planning, and Population Policy and on the APA Task Force on the Status of Women in Psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Report of the Task Force on the Status of Women in Canadian Psychology, March, 1976.

Describes the formation of the Task Force on the Status of Women in Canadian Psychology, states the terms of reference adopted, summarizes the supporting papers prepared by members of the Task Force, and presents recommendations for action by the Canadian Psychological Association in 4 main areas of concern: the status of women within the discipline of psychology, the education and training of women in psychology, sex bias in psychological research, and psychological services provided to women. (French summary) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Population and family planning: Growing involvement of psychologists.

Discusses activities of the American Psychological Association Task Force on Psychology, Family Planning, and Population Policy, focusing on psychological research on population problems, training of psychologists in population, and psychological services in the population area. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)