This study describes the development and tests the validity of the Problem Solving Scale (PRS)
Summary
a measure developed by researchers at the Systems Practices Research Network (SYPRENE) to assess the degree to which the central problem of therapy is perceived to be resolved. Data were collected at the end of therapy from 747 clients followed by 18 therapists. Results suggest good construct validity, supported by a strong correlation between client and therapist perceptions as assessed by the PRS (r = 0.71, p < 0.001). Good criterion validity was also confirmed by strong correlations between client-reported psychological well-being and functioning at the end of treatment and client-reported problem-solving scores (r = -0.63; p < 0.001) and by the therapist (r = -0.66; p < 0.001). Linear mixed model regression and stratified correlation analysis controlling for the effects of therapist and presenting problem confirmed criterion validity. The results provide initial evidence of the validity and utility of the PRS.
Key words
outcome assessment, problem solving, single-item psychotherapy, strategic systems therapy, outcomes research
Abstract:
This study describes the development and tests the validity of the Problem Resolution Scale (PRS)—a single‐item measure developed by researchers at Systemic Practice Research Network (SYPRENE) for assessing the degree to which the focal problem of therapy is perceived as resolved. Data were collected at termination from 747 clients seen across 18 therapists. Results suggested good construct validity, supported by a strong correlation between client and therapist perceptions as assessed by the PRS (r = 0.71, p < 0.001). Good criterion validity was also supported by strong correlations between client-reported psychological well-being and functioning at termination and both client-reported (r = −0.63; p < 0.001) and therapist-reported (r = −0.66; p < 0.001) problem resolution scores. Linear mixed model regression and stratified correlation analysis controlling for the therapist and presenting problem effects confirmed criterion validity. Results provide initial evidence for the validity and utility of the PRS.
Keywords
outcome assessment, problem resolution, psychotherapy outcome research, single‐item scale, strategic systemic therapy
