Examining the Factor Structure of Therapist Fidelity in First-Episode Psychosis Intervention: Relationships with Treatment-Related Variables in Individual Resiliency Training (2015)

Undergraduates: Alexandra Edwards, Julia Browne

Faculty Advisor: David Penn
Department: Psychology & Neuroscience

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Abstract: Evidence-based approaches and early intervention have improved the long-term prognosis of individuals with schizophrenia. However, little is known about the processes involved in individual therapy in first-episode psychosis. A comprehensive psychosocial/psychiatric program for this population, NAVIGATE, includes an individual therapy component, Individual Resiliency Training (IRT). Fidelity of clinicians¿¿¿ adherence to the IRT protocol has been collected to ensure proper implementation of this manual-based intervention. These data can provide insight into the elements of the therapeutic process in this intervention. To achieve this goal, I first examined the factor structure of the IRT fidelity scale with exploratory factor analysis. Secondly, I explored the relationships of the IRT fidelity ratings (and any derived factors) with clinician years of experience and years of education, and client¿¿¿s baseline symptom severity and duration of untreated psychosis. Results and implications of the analyses are discussed.