Question

Collectively, numerous studies of therapeutic outcome suggest that: A. insight therapy is superior to no treatment or placebo treatment. B. individual insight therapy is effective, but group therapy is not. C. group therapy is effective, but individual insight therapy is not. D. insight therapy is only effective if patients are in therapy for at least two years.

Short answer

Answer: A. Insight therapy is superior to no treatment or placebo treatment.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the options

First, let's understand each option: A. Insight therapy is superior to no treatment or placebo treatment. B. Individual insight therapy is effective, but group therapy is not. C. Group therapy is effective, but individual insight therapy is not. D. Insight therapy is only effective if patients are in therapy for at least two years.

Comparing insight therapy to no treatment or placebo treatment

Let's look at option A - whether insight therapy is more effective compared to no treatment or placebo treatment. Many studies have shown that insight therapies (such as psychoanalysis, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy) are more effective than no treatment or placebo treatment. Thus, this statement is generally accurate.

Comparing individual insight therapy and group therapy

Options B and C involve a comparison between individual insight therapy and group therapy. Various studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of both individual and group insight therapy. While there may be some instances where one form of therapy may be more effective than the other, it would be incorrect to claim that one is effective while the other is not.

Examining the duration of therapy

Option D suggests that insight therapy is only effective if patients are in therapy for at least two years. Though long-term insight therapy can be helpful for many patients, it's not accurate to say that it's only effective if it lasts for at least two years. The effectiveness of therapy may depend upon the specific therapeutic approach and the individual needs of the patient.

Choosing the best answer

Based on our analysis, the most accurate representation of the collective conclusions of therapeutic outcome studies would be: A. Insight therapy is superior to no treatment or placebo treatment. The other options are not accurate representations of the general consensus on the effectiveness of different therapy types and durations.