What is the mechanism of psychological change? A qualitative analysis of six individuals who experienced personal change and recovery

Objective. The mechanism of psychological change, whether this occurs as a result of psychotherapeutic intervention or during natural recovery, remains unknown. The aim of this study was to explore and understand how and why psychological change occurs. Design. This study presents the accounts of six individuals who experienced psychological change and recovery following a significant problem in their lives using the qualitative method of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Method. A semi-structured interview covered several aspects of their experience which included details of the problem they faced, how the problem affected their lives, how they were able to overcome the problem, and how they felt about their problem looking back. Results. Four superordinate themes emerged from the analysis: hopelessness and issues of control; the change process; new self versus old self; and putting the problem into perspective. Conclusions. Findings are discussed in relation to existing literature on hopelessness and locus of control, experiential avoidance, acceptance and mindfulness, insight, and adversarial growth. The findings are also discussed in relation to a theory of self-regulation known as perceptual control theory (PCT). It is proposed that this theory may provide a valid account of the mechanism of psychological change. © 2008 The British Psychological Society.