Measuring Change in Psychotherapy Using the MMPI-2 and the Holt Measure of Primary Process Manifestation

This study examined personality change in subjects after Long Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, defined as 10 months or longer of continuous therapy, at a University outpatient psychology clinic. Assessment measures used were the MMPI-2 and the Holt Measure of Primary Process Manifestation. An archival search of patient records over 7 years was conducted for files that included 1) adults 18 years or older, 2) attended therapy for at least 10 consecutive months or longer and 3) contained 2 completed MMPI-2 tests and/or 2 completed Rorschach Inkblot Tests. The sample included 17 patient files with 1 set of tests given as part of the initial psychological evaluation (Time 1) and the 2^nd test completed after at least 10 months of continuous therapy or prior to the termination of therapy as per the therapists’ discretion (Time 2). Results were analyzed using paired t-tests to compare sample means and Bonferroni correction applied to reduce probability of obtaining a Type I error. Significant differences from Time 1 of testing to Time 2 of testing were reported on the MMPI-2 Clinical scales Hypochondriasis (Hs), Depression (D), Hysteria (Hy), and Psychastenia (Pt). No significant differences were reported on the Holt Measure of Primary Process Manifestation. Previous research on personality change following long term psychodynamic therapy was supported using the MMPI/MMPI-2 and Intrapsychic or Structural Change issues were discussed.