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Volume 31, Issue 1 (Continuously Updated 2025)
IJPCP 2025, 31(1): 0-0 |
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Safarzade S, Joukar Kamalabadi M, Hoseini F, Golestaneh S M. The Reasons for Iranian Clients’ Premature Dropout of Psychotherapy and Counseling from the Therapists’ Point of View. IJPCP 2025; 31 (1)
URL: http://ijpcp.iums.ac.ir/article-1-4331-en.html
URL: http://ijpcp.iums.ac.ir/article-1-4331-en.html
1- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran.
2- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran. ,Joukar.m@gmail.com
2- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran. ,
Abstract: (532 Views)
Objectives Sometimes, clients prematurely terminate the therapy sessions before realizing the full benefits of psychotherapy. In the present study, we aim to investigate the factors affecting Iranian clients’ premature dropout of psychotherapy and counseling from the therapists’ perspective.
Methods This is a qualitative study conducted from September 2023 to July 2024. Participants were 31 male and female counselors and therapists working in the field of mental health in Bushehr city, south of Iran. They were selected using a purposive sampling method until theoretical saturation was reached in semi-structured interviews. The data were coded based on Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory. Lincoln and Guba’s four criteria were used to assess the trustworthiness of the data. MAXQDA software, version 2020 was used to analyze the data.
Results From the analysis of interviews, 439 open codes were first obtained and placed in 60 subcategories. Finally, nine main categories were identified which included: 1) Lack of expertise and skill of the therapist in psychotherapy and counseling, 2) Cognitive, motivational, emotional, and behavioral actions of the client during the sessions, 3) Biographical factors of the client, 4) Environmental factors, 5) Structural factors, 6) Client’s personality patterns, 7) Lifestyle, personality, and emotional characteristics of the therapist, 8) Biographical factors of the therapist, and 9) Psychiatric medications.
Conclusion There are several factors related to both patients and therapists that affect premature dropout from psychotherapy and counseling. The identified factors in the present study can help improve the quantitative and qualitative level of psychotherapy in Iran and reduce the rate of premature dropout.
Methods This is a qualitative study conducted from September 2023 to July 2024. Participants were 31 male and female counselors and therapists working in the field of mental health in Bushehr city, south of Iran. They were selected using a purposive sampling method until theoretical saturation was reached in semi-structured interviews. The data were coded based on Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory. Lincoln and Guba’s four criteria were used to assess the trustworthiness of the data. MAXQDA software, version 2020 was used to analyze the data.
Results From the analysis of interviews, 439 open codes were first obtained and placed in 60 subcategories. Finally, nine main categories were identified which included: 1) Lack of expertise and skill of the therapist in psychotherapy and counseling, 2) Cognitive, motivational, emotional, and behavioral actions of the client during the sessions, 3) Biographical factors of the client, 4) Environmental factors, 5) Structural factors, 6) Client’s personality patterns, 7) Lifestyle, personality, and emotional characteristics of the therapist, 8) Biographical factors of the therapist, and 9) Psychiatric medications.
Conclusion There are several factors related to both patients and therapists that affect premature dropout from psychotherapy and counseling. The identified factors in the present study can help improve the quantitative and qualitative level of psychotherapy in Iran and reduce the rate of premature dropout.
Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Psychiatry and Psychology
Received: 2024/09/26 | Accepted: 2025/05/3 | Published: 2025/08/1
Received: 2024/09/26 | Accepted: 2025/05/3 | Published: 2025/08/1
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