Abstract

Discrepancy in reporting is a frequent phenomenon in psychotherapy research and its presence indicates added information to take into account when assessing youth functioning (De Los Reyes, 2011; Hawley & Weisz, 2003). There is a need to further understand patterns in youth psychotherapy to protect from risk of treatment failure or deterioration. Our study aimed to explore informant discrepancy and its relation to key therapeutic constructs as well as youth functionality over time within youth outpatient mental health populations who use the Y-OQ and TSM in routine outcome monitoring and as clinical support measures. Using an outpatient mental health sample, regular Y-OQ and TSM data from n=157 youth ages 12-18 and their primary caregivers was assessed. Informant discrepancy was measured using initial total Y-OQ scores from both the youth and primary caregiver. Therapeutic constructs were measured using the TSM domains of primary caregiver distress, therapeutic alliance, and youth motivation. Change in functioning throughout the course of treatment was measured by the primary caregiver and youth Y-OQ total scores at each session. Results indicated that informant discrepancy predicted primary caregiver distress as well as change in youth functioning over time as perceived by the primary caregiver. Consistent with previous research, higher discrepancy between was associated with higher primary caregiver distress and predicted poorer youth functioning throughout the course of treatment. Implications and conclusions are discussed.

Degree

MS

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Psychology

Rights

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2018-08-01

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd10305

Keywords

discrepancies, multiple informants, outcome, youth psychotherapy, distress

Language

english

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