Ego Impairment Index (EII-2) as a predictor of outcome in short- and long-term psychotherapy during a 5-year follow-up

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the predictive ability of the Rorschach-based Ego Impairment Index (EII-2) on outcome of psychotherapy in different types and durations of therapy.

Method: A total of 326 outpatients suffering from depressive or anxiety disorders were randomized into receiving solution-focused (n = 97), short-term psychodynamic (n = 101), or long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (n = 128). Psychotherapy outcome assessments during the 5-year follow-up period covered psychiatric symptoms, social functioning, and work ability.

Results: Lower EII-2 values, which indicate less problematic ego functioning, were found to predict faster improvement in both short-term therapies as compared to long-term psychotherapy.

Conclusion: The results provide preliminary support for the utility of EII-2 as a complementary measure to interview-based methods for selecting between short- and long-term therapies.

Keywords: Ego Impairment Index; Rorschach; ego functioning; psychotherapy; treatment planning.