Date of Award
6-2015
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Scott T. Gaynor
Second Advisor
Dr. Galen J. Alessi
Third Advisor
Dr. Jonathan W. Kanter
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Amy E. Naugle
Keywords
Functional Analytic Psychotherapy FAP, Clinical trials, Diagnosis, Connectedness
Abstract
The efficacy of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) has not yet been show in randomized controlled trials in any population. The current study utilized a stratified randomization technique conducted by a computer system to assign twenty-three college students recruited for difficulties in interpersonal functioning who scored one standard deviation below the norm on the Fear of Intimacy Scale and met diagnostic criteria via independent assessment for Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder, or Dependent Personality Disorder to either a FAP condition or a Watchful Waiting Condition to assess the conditions ability to increase social relating and decrease psychological distress immediately following treatment. Twenty-two (eleven in each condition) participant’s results were analyzed showing mean differences reaching significance on the fear of intimacy scale and a measure of psychological distress (Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire). Additional measures showed emerging evidence that supports FAP’s proposed mechanism of action. Results suggest that a brief FAP intervention can be beneficial for increasing interpersonal relating and decreasing psychological distress.
Access Setting
Dissertation-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Maitland, Daniel W. M., "Functional Analytic Psychotherapy Compared to Watchful Waiting for Enhancing Social Connectedness: A Randomized Clinical Trial with a Diagnosed Sample" (2015). Dissertations. 589.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/dissertations/589