Book contents
- Cambridge Guide to Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
- Cambridge Guides to the Psychological Therapies
- Cambridge Guide to Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Contributors
- Foreword
- Editor’s Note
- Part I An Overview of the Model
- Chapter 1 A Historical Overview of Interpersonal Psychotherapy
- Chapter 2 The Supporting Theories of Interpersonal Psychotherapy
- Chapter 3 A Brief Description of the Empirical Basis of Interpersonal Psychotherapy
- Part II The Model of Interpersonal Psychotherapy into Practice
- Part III Application and Adaptations for Mental Health Disorders
- Part IV Application of Interpersonal Psychotherapy in Different Populations
- Index
- References
Chapter 3 - A Brief Description of the Empirical Basis of Interpersonal Psychotherapy
from Part I - An Overview of the Model
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 September 2026
Foreword by
Book contents
- Cambridge Guide to Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
- Cambridge Guides to the Psychological Therapies
- Cambridge Guide to Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Contributors
- Foreword
- Editor’s Note
- Part I An Overview of the Model
- Chapter 1 A Historical Overview of Interpersonal Psychotherapy
- Chapter 2 The Supporting Theories of Interpersonal Psychotherapy
- Chapter 3 A Brief Description of the Empirical Basis of Interpersonal Psychotherapy
- Part II The Model of Interpersonal Psychotherapy into Practice
- Part III Application and Adaptations for Mental Health Disorders
- Part IV Application of Interpersonal Psychotherapy in Different Populations
- Index
- References
Summary
This chapter provides a brief overview of empirical research supporting the efficacy and effectiveness of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). The chapter frames the discussion of IPT’s research base into three areas that may be most relevant to mental health providers and therapists: (1) Is IPT an effective psychological treatment for depression? (2) For which clients is IPT most effective?, and (3) What are the treatment mechanisms by which IPT produces symptom reduction and improves clients’ functioning? In this manner, the first question is addressed through the review of recent meta-analyses that focus on IPT alone or in relation to other evidence-based psychological interventions. The next question focuses on personalised approaches to matching clients with IPT based upon presenting problems or individual strengths. The last question addresses a deeper understanding of active treatment components in IPT that produce changes in clients’ symptoms and functioning and can be used to increase treatment effectiveness. The chapter concludes that IPT is an effective treatment for depression and more research is needed to advance our understanding of personalising treatment interventions for clients and how IPT produces changes in symptoms and interpersonal functioning.
Keywords
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- Type
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- Information
- Cambridge Guide to Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) , pp. 32 - 42Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2026
References
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