Refocussing therapy : the effectiveness and uniqueness of a God-based therapy method : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand

Abstract

Refocussing Therapy (RFT) is a God-based theory and psychotherapy approach. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and uniqueness of RFT using a quasi-experimental mode of investigation. Over a period of four months pre- and post-treatment assessments of 49 RFT clients' mental health status and religious coping were made using the TOP v 4.1 and RCOPE measures. Changes were also assessed for a comparison group of 10 pastoral care (PC) recipients. Significant positive treatment gains were reported by RFT clients, while PC recipients had smaller but generally positive treatment gains. Positive religious coping improved for both the RFT group and the PC group. However, negative religious coping reduced significantly for the RFT group but increased for the PC group. Findings offer preliminary support for the effectiveness of RFT. and indicate that RFT impacts significantly upon clients' clinical status and religious coping. Further research is recommended to determine the efficacy of RFT.