- We identified two randomised controlled trials (RCTs), one pseudo-randomise controlled study and four comparative studies with concurrent controls that compared Gestalt therapy to another therapeutic approach or no therapy.
- The studies were conducted for the following conditions/situations: depressive disorders, unresolved emotional issues with a significant other, inmates and childbirth training.
- The studies compared Gestalt therapy to the following: cognitive group therapy, no therapy, attention-placebo treatment, discussions of human behaviour, free group activities (sports, hobbies etc) and respiratory autogenic training.
- The outcomes assessed were: emotional arousal, depression, anxiety, self- concept, state of relationships, symptom distress, self-ratings, body image, locus of control, health workers ratings, duration of labour and type of delivery.
- Six of the seven studies reported that Gestalt therapy resulted in an increase in some positive outcomes when assessed against comparators.
- The studies were of variable quality. The main potentials for bias were lack of randomisation, the intervention and control groups differing at baseline, loss to follow-up and small sample sizes.