Transformed Self-Images
A controlled study of the effectiveness of the
Hoffman Quadrinity Process
A DISSERTATION BY CHRISTIANE WINDHAUSEN
first published in Germany as Die Diplomarbeit von Christiane Windhausen
A further study of the Hoffman Quadrinity Process, and probably
the most significant long-term study to date was written in 1997
as the dissertation of the German psychologist Christiane Windhausen,
at the Wilhelms-University Muenster in Westphalia. Ms. Windhausen
studied theology before receiving a degree in psychology.
Her dissertation is based on studies carried out with 65 randomly
selected clients, all of whom completed the Hoffman Quadrinity Process
in its present form during 1994 and 1995.
It includes relevant research data from the Frankfurt Self-Concept
Scale and the Giessen-Test as well as using diagnostic tools from
the Symptom Checklist SCL90R. This is an Insecurity-Questionnaire
used in assertiveness-training as a form of self assessment which
falls into three main categories:
- The relationship with parents
- The relationship with the inner-self
- The relationship with siblings.
The main purpose of this study was to compile data relating to
the self confidence and self perception of each client before the
Process, immediately following it and six months on, (some of the
clients, again selected at random, were also followed up a year
later) which qualifies this project as a long term study.
The ratings on the Frankfurt Self-Concept Scale showed that the
Hoffman Quadrinity Process graduates, in all cases, had not only
made a rapid improvement, but had also remained stable throughout
subsequent tests and studies. The study produced highly significant
data regarding the corresponding improvements on handling general
problems-management scale (FSAP), confidence in behavior when facing
decision-making (FSVE), and in general self-worth ratings (FSSW).
The data also proved that the Hoffman Quadrinity Process produced
significantly greater changes in its graduates than a controlled
group undergoing a comparable three month group therapy at the Fliednerkrankenhaus
Hospital. (The hospital used the same data and diagnostic tools
to record their own clients' progress.) The System-Checklist proved
that between the first and second assignments compulsive behavior
and depression were reduced, and a steady improvement continued
thereafter. However, the most important result in the Insecurity
Questionnaire showed that for those on the Hoffman Quadrinity Process,
it produced an immediate and significant reduction in anxiety that
continues past the end of therapy.
Summing up Windhausen explains:
It is evident that the depth of therapy achieved during the 8 intensive
days of the Quadrinity Process, is at least equal to three months
of group therapy at Fliednerkrankenhaus Hospital. On all 38 scales,
assessments recorded from the Hoffman Quadrinity Process graduates
were higher than those of the therapy controlled group, and in 11
out of the 38 groups, there are significant differences in the ratings
in favor of the Hoffman Quadrinity Process. Among other things these
ratings relate to self-worth, self-confidence, sensitivity and mood,
spirituality and intimate relationships and other kinds of friendships.
Most importantly, it should be noted that in particular, relationships
with parents were immensely improved. It is also evident that the
changes in attitude produced by the Quadrinity Process provides
an inner stability and ongoing improvement after the process.
Windhausen stresses that the results of her research are particularly
impressive in the ratings for compulsive behavior and anxiety. Here
the Hoffman Quadrinity Process also appears to bring about effective
long termed improvements. She also shows that through the Hoffman
Quadrinity Process, participants experience a rapid increase of
their 'social-resonance' - that is to say, they are more open towards
other people after the Process; they are more able to express their
needs, as well as having more intense experiences.
In addition, it has been shown that partners in heterosexual relationships
have become more relaxed, with a greater capacity for devotion and
commitment. These changes remain constant throughout the six months
following the Process.
With regard to the relationship with the self, results from six
out of seven scales also show stable improvements throughout this
six month period. Improvements in self-worth and self-acceptance,
day to day health and the flexibility of the participants were estimated
by themselves as being greater directly after the Process than at
the third assessment, nevertheless, the ratings remain well above
those initially taken before the Process. Ratings for the ability
to be in touch with emotions as well as the ability to express emotions
remained generally steadfast which clearly shows that the Hoffman
Quadrinity Process enables a steady development of emotional competence
to flourish.
And finally, Windhausen affirms that: All the questionnaires and
other test-procedures have shown that:
The Hoffman Quadrinity Process is both effective and successful.
Almost all the scales show significant changes in ratings which
the participants are able to maintain and consolidate after the
Hoffman Quadrinity Process has finished. This means that participants
experience a significant reduction of negative symptoms in all the
different categories studied.
The most noticeable improvements are evident in the categories
of self-confidence, a sense of self-worth and self-acceptance. The
Hoffman Quadrinity Process therefore, has proved itself to be a
highly effective program to improve the ability to form relationships,
as well as to develop greater emotional competence. This is reflected
in self-reflection, an openness to experience, problem-and conflict-management,
productivity, adaptability and taking responsibility, etc.
For a more in depth analysis of Dr Windhausen's study go to:
A Synopsis of the Windhausen Dissertation Research
by Ron Meister Ph.D., December 1999 Methodology and Analysis Commentary
by Michael R. Levenson, Ph.D. and Carolyn M. Aldwin, Ph.D. |
