The motivational foundations of different therapeutic orientations as indicated by therapists' value preferences.

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigates the relationships between therapists' value preferences and their beliefs in the efficacy of the four main therapeutic orientations (cognitive behavior, psychodynamic, client-centered, and eco-systemic).

METHOD

The study was conducted in Israel. Social workers practicing individual therapy in different psychosocial services participated in the study (n = 528).

RESULTS

Personal value preferences explained a significant proportion of the variance in the social workers' beliefs in the efficacy of different therapeutic orientations. Each therapeutic orientation was associated with a specific pattern of value preferences, thus indicating that different therapeutic orientations promote or impede the attainment of the therapists' specific motivational goals.

CONCLUSIONS

The study results' implications for understanding the motivational foundations of different therapeutic orientations are discussed, as well as their possible application for therapist training and practice.