The effects of a self-analytic exercise on clinical judgment

The authors examined some effects of a self-analytic exercise on clinical judgment. Clinicians listened to audiotaped segments of a patient interview with instructions to focus on the feelings aroused in them. Control subjects were asked to attend to the patient's defensive style and affect. All subjects completed questionnaires tapping their feelings toward the patient and their assessment of the patient's mental health, prognosis, and treatability. Subjects completed the same questionnaires after listening to the same taped segments again and a new segment and were asked what interpretation they might offer. Those who engaged in the self-analytic exercise, particularly those who did it well, showed an increase in empathy and positive feelings toward the patient. Discussion centered on self-analysis and countertransference.