Next, I identified the six theoretical schools of psychology. Four of the six follow scientific research while psychoanalysis and humanistic psychology tend to ignore it. In the next two sections I discussed the myths of psychoanalysis by outlining the weaknesses of case studies as a method. I also pointed out the unscientific nature of the use of dolls to ascertain child abuse as well as the use of Rorschach tests for determining psychological problems. Next, I turned to humanistic psychology and its championing of the central importance of emotions and self-esteem in psychological life. Dawes argues against the cathartic theory of the emotions as well the need to raise self-esteem prior to taking any action. He points out that the children of the Yankee population are way behind the children in China and Japan, despite many years of implementing techniques of raising self-esteem in schools. Lastly Dawes challenges the Pollyannish humanistic equation of psychological health with happiness and internal locus of control. Psychological health does not automatically mean living in the sunny side of the street.
Dawes makes the following claims based on 500 validated scientific studies:
- we can only know what works if the therapist follows and applies scientific research in therapy;
- therapy can be successful regardless of the credentials, or training. A skilled paraprofessional is just as good as a professional provided they have empathy; and
- the experiences of the therapist are unrelated to outcomes since the setting of therapy does not easily lend itself to immediate, consistent, and repeated feedback from an outside source.
Anticipating Objections
Single studies that contradict his thesis aren't enough because the generality of his conclusions is dependent on:
- multiple studies,
- conducted on multiple problems, and
- multiple contexts.
It would take a substantial body of new research to overturn the conclusions presented here. A new finding or set of findings that would turn the whole field I have discussed upside down is extraordinarily unlikely to occur.
Given that this book was written in 1994, it is tempting to think new research has been found to overturn Dawes'sargument. In critical book reviews I have not found significant challenges. By way of closing, I would invite you to review the questions and statements I made at the beginning of this article to see if your questions have been answered.
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