Integrating between-session homework in psychotherapy: A systematic review of immediate in-session and intermediate outcomes.

This article reviews the evidence for between-session homework (BSH) in individual psychotherapy. Whereas previous reviews have demonstrated a positive association between-client compliance with BSH and distal treatment outcomes; here, we pay particular attention to therapist behaviors that may promote client engagement with BSH assessed as immediate (in-session) and intermediate (session-to-session) outcomes, and moderators of these effects. For our systematic review, we identified 25 studies with 1,304 clients and 118 therapists, mostly on cognitive behavioral therapy such as exposure-based treatments with depression and anxiety disorders. A box score approach was utilized to summarize findings. Results for immediate outcomes were mixed but neutral. Results for intermediate outcomes were positive. Presenting a convincing rationale, being flexible in collaboratively designing, planning, and reviewing homework tasks in accordance with the clients' goals, aligning BSH with the clients' takeaways from the session and providing a written summary of homework and rationale, are some therapist behaviors that can promote client engagement with BSH. We conclude with research limitations, training implications, and therapeutic practices. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).