Research Strategies to Discern Active Psychological Therapy Components: A Scoping Review

Some clinical scientists are shifting from research on complete named therapy protocols to a more elemental approach—research specific components that contribute goals. To characterize and evaluate this emerging field, we systematically searched PsycINFO Medline for studies evaluating components. We identified 208 studies. In scoping review, map, explain, critically appraise the seven strategies employed: (a) expert opinion, (b) shared components, (c) associations between presence of effects, (d) fidelity (e) microtrials, (f) additive dismantling trials, (g) factorial experiments. Our examination reveals need renewed emphasis experimental trials (vs. meta-analyses testing less rigorously), expanded efforts locate within fields process-based principle-guided psychotherapy, shift innovative stand-alone development coherent science