Resolving decisional conflict by Gestalt two-chair dialogue: Relating process to outcome.

31 clients (aged 17–65 yrs) completed a 6-wk program using Gestalt 2-chair dialog to work on intrapsychic conflict related to the making of a decision. Ss were classified as resolvers or nonresolvers based on a pattern of in-session process indicators. Resolvers were those Ss who had manifested 3 components of a proposed model of conflict resolution: the expression of criticism by one part of the personality, the expression of feeling and wants by another, and the softening in attitude of the "critic." These attributes were measured in terms of voice quality, depth of experience, and structural analysis of social behavior. Resolvers were significantly less undecided and less anxious after treatment and reported greater improvement on target complaints and behavior change. In addition, after the session in which the "critic" softened, resolvers reported greater conflict resolution, less discomfort, greater mood change, and greater goal attainment than nonresolvers.