Contextual assessment: evaluating a novel self-guided online therapeutic assessment

BACKGROUND Paper introduces Conflict Analysis (CA), an online self-guided therapeutic assessment. CA combines a diagnostic self-report scale with narrative exercises and self-analytical tasks. CA automatically generates detailed diagnostic records and frameworks for changes. OBJECTIVE To evaluate therapeutic and diagnostic benefits associated with CA over time. METHODS This online study compared CA over 2 weeks on outcome measures predicting psychotherapy outcome. Novel scale measuring perceived diagnostic benefit and perceived therapeutic benefit was delivered at post and follow-up. Cohort (n = 59, average age = 35, 50% female) was either in therapy or interested to start therapy in near future. RESULTS Repeated-measure ANOVAs suggest that scores significantly changed on measures predicting negative affect, depression, performance and appearance self-esteem, insight, and growth initiative. Agreement rates on items measuring perceived diagnostic and therapeutic benefits were at least 74.5% for both post and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Evidence supports further exploration of CA as a self-guided diagnostic and therapeutic resource. Key points Results demonstrate feasibility and utility of online self-guided therapeutic assessment. Described model is associated with increased perceived diagnostic and therapeutic benefits. Described model illustrates therapeutic benefits over time. Results demonstrate that even self-guided assessment can have therapeutic implications.