Participant critical events: a method for identifying and isolating significant therapeutic incidents

Authors: Fitzpatrick, Marilyn R.; Chamodraka, Martha

Source: Psychotherapy Research, Volume 17, Number 5, September 2007 , pp. 622-627(6)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

The participant critical events (PCE) is an interview and segmentation method to identify and locate critical events nominated by clients or therapists. Twenty-six clients and seven therapists were interviewed and described events located on session tapes. Interrater reliability in identifying the events using a revised protocol and segmentation rules was good (α=.82). Comparison of researcher segmentation of the events to participant segments collected during tape-assisted recall indicated that the method allowed researchers to correctly identify the events. Decision rules for segmenting PCEs are outlined. The potential of the PCE method lies in its capacity to allow researchers to identify critical events for further intensive study and to compare researcher data to participant understandings of the meanings of critical events.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10503300601065514

Affiliations: 1: Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Publication date: 2007-09-01