Changes of defensive functioning. does interpretation contribute to change?

In this process–outcome study, we explored the changes of patients' defensive functioning (rated with the Defence Mechanism Rating Scales) over the course of brief dynamic psychotherapy ( N = 39, maximum 40 sessions). We investigated whether therapists' use of interpretation (rated with the Psychodynamic Intervention Rating Scale) would influence the development of maladaptive defensive functioning. The proportion of maladaptive defences was reduced during therapy. A higher proportion of interpretation was associated with less use of maladaptive defence after therapy, whereas the use of interpretation was not predictive of the change of adaptive defensive functioning. Therapists' use of supportive interventions did not impact the development of either maladaptive or adaptive defences.