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The article reports on the interaction effects of internal vs. external locus of control and directive vs. nondirective therapy. It examines critically studies that claim that internals are more successful in nondirective therapy and externals in directive therapy. One purpose of the present paper is to review these studies to show that deficiencies either in design, method of statistical analysis, or measures of outcome raise questions as to the real support they lend to the interaction hypothesis.

A given type of psychotherapy (e.g., psychodynamic) is associated with a set of specific change techniques (e.g., interpreting defenses, identifying relationship themes). Different change techniques can be conceived of as influencing different parts of personality (e.g., interpreting defense increases conscious awareness). An integrated model of personality is presented. Then, change techniques from different theoretical perspectives are assigned by judges to areas of personality the techniques are believed to influence. The results suggest that specific change techniques can be reliably sorted into the areas of personality. Thinking across theoretical perspectives leads to important new opportunities for assessment, therapy outcome research, and communication with patients concerning personality change. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on neurotic anxiety, pronoun usage and stress. From a Gestalt Therapy viewpoint, personality may, in one sense, be defined usefully as a structure of speech habits, personality adjustment or maladjustment therefore is expected to emerge in the speech habits of individuals. The particular relevance of personal pronouns to psychological adjustment or maladjustment is that their use, according to Gestalt Therapy theory, is an indicator of the psychological distance taken from one's own feelings, actions, attitudes, motivations, power, etc.