After the Dance is over: Some Issues and Suggestions for Follow-up Assessment in Behavior Therapy

Abstract

Behavioral intervention programs have thus far failed to provide sufficient follow-up information for the evaluation of long-term effects. This omission is believed to be related to an inadequate conceptualization of follow-up assessment, as well as to the methodological and practical difficulties inherent in assessing behavior over long time periods. A framework for follow-up assessment that is consistent with current behavioral efforts to program generalization is described and is contrasted with traditional views of follow-up that look for effects following the termination of treatment. Several methodological features of follow-up assessment are discussed, along with research recommendations, including the determination of length of appropriate follow-up intervals, the frequency of follow-up assessments, the need for standardization of measures both within and between studies, reactivity of follow-up assessment, the selection of follow-up measures and attrition of subjects.