Premature termination from outpatient psychotherapy in a university-based counseling center

Abstract

This study investigated risk and protective factors capable of differentiating dropouts from completers in a university counseling center. Data were collected from college students (N = 285) at a large southeastern university. Results from the logistic regression analysis suggested that clients with mild symptoms of depression were more likely to continue in counseling. Results also showed that alcohol abuse and eating concerns might interact to reduce the likelihood of completion. Finally, increases in symptoms of social anxiety were associated with a higher likelihood of persisting in therapy, and more severe symptoms of generalized anxiety predicted a lower likelihood of completion.