Citation

Chiesa M. Br. J. Psychother. 2010; 26(4): 458-464.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1752-0118.2010.01206.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The paper addresses aspects of the difficult relationship scientific research has had with psychoanalytically-informed institutions. These difficulties stem from a position of rejectionism long held by institutional psychoanalysis with regard to the role scientific research may play in the development of psychoanalysis. It is argued that the development of a solid integration between scientific research and clinical psychoanalysis can help psychoanalysis grow and contribute to resolving the theoretical fragmentation present in today's psychoanalysis. Institutional reactions to results coming from scientific studies that do not confirm assumptions, expectations, beliefs or current practices are described and discussed. Two examples of research studies carried out at the Psychotherapy Department of St Bernard's Hospital and at the Cassel Hospital, during Bob Hinshelwood's time there, that did not meet the institutional blueprint are presented.

Keywords

evidence-based practice; institutions; psychoanalysis; scientific research