Reality testing
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Reality testingis the process of objectively distinguishing between the internal world of thoughts and feelings and the external world. It is a technique commonly used in Psychoanalysis and Behavior therapy, and was originally devised by Sigmund Freud [1]
Purpose
Reality testing used by practitioners within psychotherapy and counseling settings aims to influence the patient or client to recognize his or her negative thoughts, evaluate the thoughts logically rather than emotionally, and determine whether the thoughts are valid or based upon conventional reality. After undergoing this technique, the patient or client is often able to see that the thoughts they were experiencing are in fact not valid or based on reality.[2] Reality testing can be used in this way to help facilitate corrective emotional experiences by disconfirming and altering previously held negative or unrealistic expectations in favor of more adaptive functions.[3]
Continual reality testing directed by therapists can help to ensure that a multitude of such corrective experiences are encountered by the client; and in turn will influence enduring changes in thoughts, expectations, feelings, and behavior. [4]
Characteristics
Therapists using reality testing techniques typically rely upon the client's mental processes of attention, perception, memory, and judgment in order to help guide them to the formation of logical conclusions about reality.[5]
Reality testing has been identified as being one of the common therapeutic principles of change.[6] Emphasizing ongoing reality testing in the client's life has been demonstrated to be among the principles of change that can be used to explain and partially account for the underlying effectiveness of therapeutic counseling techniques.[7]
See also
References
- ^ Freud, S. (1911). Formulations regarding the two principles in mental functioning. Collected papers, 4, 13-21.
- ^ Landa, Y., Silverstein, S. M., Schwartz, F., & Savitz, A. (2006). Group cognitive behavioral therapy for delusions: helping patients improve reality testing. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 36(1), 9-17.
- ^ Alexander, F. G. (1980). Psychoanalytic therapy: Principles and application (Vol. 1946). University of Nebraska Press.
- ^ Pachankis, J. E., & Goldfried, M. R. (2007). An integrative, principle-based approach to psychotherapy. The art and science of psychotherapy, 49-68.
- ^ Hurvich, M. (1970). On the concept of reality testing. The International Journal of Psychoanalysis.
- ^ Goldfried, M. R. (1980). Toward the delineation of therapeutic change principles. American Psychologist, 35(11), 991.
- ^ Pachankis, J. E., & Goldfried, M. R. (2007). An integrative, principle-based approach to psychotherapy. The art and science of psychotherapy, 49-68.