Does treatment focus on self-efficacy result in better coping? Paradoxical findings from psychodynamic and cognitive–behavioral group treatment of moderately alcohol-dependent patients

In a randomized controlled study, 49 moderately alcohol-dependent patients underwent short-term group psychotherapy (25 in psychodynamic therapy and 24 in cognitive–behavioral therapy [CBT]). Self-efficacy before treatment correlated positively with drinking pattern at follow-up for both the psychodynamic and the CBT groups. However, the measure of self-efficacy did not change as a result of the treatments, and CBT did not result in any change of perceived control in a measure of appraisal despite its typical intense focus on coping and control. The paradox was that psychodynamic therapy patients increased significantly in this measure of control, although coping and control as such were not the primary focus in these groups.