Social Relationships and Social Roles

Abstract

This review draws attention to the broad and diverse theoretical underpinnings of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). A plea is made for greater attention to the theoretical influences on IPT in forming our understanding of the techniques and processes and to establish indicators of successful outcome as well as for whom the treatment is most suitable. The paper takes a lifespan perspective that considers the implications of social factors for the different age groups to which IPT has been shown to be effective in the treatment of depression. The main thrust of the paper considers the potential importance of social theory, particularly the research on life events and social support. It is argued that it is these social aspects and particularly a focus on the use of the patient's wider social network that distinguishes IPT from other evidence-based short-term therapies. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.