Applicants for psychotherapy and the problem of early termination.

The current paper is essentially an evaluation and critique of a recent paper by Riess and Brandt (1965), pertaining to the general problem of dropouts in psychotherapy. These authors presented conclusions which were at variance with many of the previous findings in this area. In addition to evaluating the previous report in the light of other research, the present paper offers some possible explanations for apparent discrepancies in findings. Variation in findings may be due to a number of methodological considerations, including the definition of dropout and the adequacy and type of samples studied. Little data on significant patient variables were provided in the previous study.