Christine M. J. Snyder, LMFT, Town of Cheshire, Connecticut, Youth & Social Services; Stephen A. Anderson, PhD, Professor and Director, Marriage and Family Therapy Program, University of Connecticut.
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An Examination of Mandated Versus Voluntary Referral as a Determinant of Clinical Outcome
Article first published online: 30 MAR 2009
DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-0606.2009.00118.x
© 2009 American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
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How to Cite
Snyder, C. M. J. and Anderson, S. A. (2009), An Examination of Mandated Versus Voluntary Referral as a Determinant of Clinical Outcome. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 35: 278–292. doi: 10.1111/j.1752-0606.2009.00118.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 9 JUN 2009
- Article first published online: 30 MAR 2009
- Abstract
- Article
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A literature review was undertaken to examine evidence for the effectiveness of psychotherapy with mandated clients. The primary question addressed was whether or not clients mandated to therapy, whether by court order or by order of their employers, show poorer outcomes than clients who enter therapy voluntarily. To this end, research on client resistance and motivational readiness to change was reviewed. This was followed by an examination of research on the effectiveness of mandated treatment. The question of the potential influence of relationship factors such as the therapeutic alliance was also addressed. The literature review was followed by suggestions for future research on the effectiveness of treatment for clients with mandated or voluntary referral status.