The present study aims at determining the role for outcome of potential processes of change in psychotherapy for narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). They were examined on three levels: the content, the process, and the relationship. A total of 161 patients suffering with NPD were recruited in a naturalistic setting as part of the present study. They underwent a long- term clarification-oriented psychotherapy. Sessions 15, 20, and 25 were video- or audio-recorded and analyzed with an observer-rated instrument that measures the quality of the interaction processes from the patient's and therapist's perspectives. Different self-report measures were used to assess therapy outcomes. In-session improvement was observed in both patient and therapist processes across sessions. Patient improvement in the three levels of processes was systematically related with outcome. Only partial relationships were found between therapist improvement and outcome. The present study represents the first systematic insight into core changes in patients with NPD undergoing psychotherapy.

中文翻译：

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自恋型人格障碍心理治疗的变化过程

本研究旨在确定自恋型人格障碍 (NPD) 心理治疗中潜在变化过程的结果的作用。他们从三个层面进行审查：内容、过程和关系。作为本研究的一部分，在自然环境中招募了总共 161 名患有 NPD 的患者。他们接受了长期的以澄清为导向的心理治疗。第 15、20 和 25 次会议进行了视频或音频录制，并使用观察者评级的仪器进行分析，该仪器从患者和治疗师的角度测量交互过程的质量。使用不同的自我报告措施来评估治疗结果。在跨疗程的患者和治疗师过程中都观察到了疗程中的改善。患者在三个层次的过程中的改善与结果系统地相关。在治疗师的改善和结果之间只发现了部分关系。本研究代表了对接受心理治疗的 NPD 患者核心变化的首次系统洞察。