Erfahrungsorientiertes Lernen in der Psychotherapie

Background

Based on principles of experiential learning, psychophysical exposure (PPE) on a tightrope course offers a promising intervention in the treatment of patients with mental disorders. A PPE program conducted on a hospital tightrope course is presented as an adjunct in inpatient psychotherapy.

Methods

The acceptance and effectiveness of the PPE were evaluated in a prospective controlled naturalistic study. A total of 155 patients, who were exposed at least once during their inpatient therapy, were compared with 92 control patients, who did not participate in the tightrope course. The main outcome criteria were self-reported depressive symptoms, state anxiety, locus of control, self-efficacy, and trait anxiety.

Results

The PPE was highly accepted by the participants. Patients who attended the tightrope courses showed greater improvement in the outcome criteria than patients who received inpatient treatment as usual. Particularly better effects were found on the personality variables.

Conclusions

Psychophysical exposure can successfully and effectively be integrated into a psychosomatic inpatient treatment program. Methodological limitations of the study, especially threats to internal validity, are discussed.