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Measuring the Outcomes of Intercultural Psychotherapy

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Intercultural Psychotherapy

Abstract

Outcome measurement in intercultural psychotherapy is complex and lags behind standards of outcome measurement in Western populations. This chapter presents recommendations, challenges, and pitfalls related to the choice of assessment tools measuring outcome in intercultural psychotherapy, whether for clinical evaluation or research. Item response theory (IRT) is presented as a promising method for testing measure’s and item’s intercultural validity and reliability. IRT-validated measures are presently mostly available for disability and quality of life. Finally, with a renewed focus on personal recovery in mental health, the chapter also introduces patient-generated outcome measures, focusing on empowerment, and documentation of patient perspectives, which are particularly important in intercultural treatment settings.

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Carlsson, J., Palic, S., Vindbjerg, E. (2020). Measuring the Outcomes of Intercultural Psychotherapy. In: Schouler-Ocak, M., Kastrup, M. (eds) Intercultural Psychotherapy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-24082-0_16

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