2008-12-01
The Use of Propensity Score Methods in Psychotherapy Research
Publication
Publication
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics , Volume 78 - Issue 1 p. 26- 34
Abstract BACKGROUND: Randomized controlled trials are considered the best scientific proof of effectiveness. There is increasing concern, though, about their feasibility in psychotherapy research. We discuss a quasi-experimental study design for situations in which a randomized controlled trial is not feasible. Here, as an alternative strategy, the propensity score (PS) method is used to correct for selection bias. METHODS: We used data from a Dutch research project, SCEPTRE (Study on Cost-Effectiveness of Personality Disorder Treatment). The sample consisted of 749 psychotherapy patients with personality pathology. We tested whether the PS method was useful and applicable. We examined differences between 2 treatment groups (short vs. long treatment duration) in pretreatment characteristics before and after PS correction. This revealed the impact of the PS on outcome differences. RESULTS: The PS offered statistical control over observed pretreatment differences between patients in a non-randomized study. CONCLUSIONS: When a randomized controlled trial is not possible, this quasi-experimental design using the PS could be a feasible alternative. Its advantages and limitations are discussed. Implemented carefully, this method is promising for future effectiveness research.
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| doi.org/10.1159/000162298, hdl.handle.net/1765/23041 | |
| Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics | |
| Organisation | Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam |
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Bartak, A, Spreeuwenberg, M.D, Andrea, H, van Busschbach, J.J, Croon, M.A, Verheul, R, … Stijnen, Th. (2008). The Use of Propensity Score Methods in Psychotherapy Research. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 78(1), 26–34. doi:10.1159/000162298
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