Australasian Solution Focused Association

Evidence Base

The Evidence Base

The Solution Focused Approach is strongly evidence-based, with over 40 years of research demonstrating effectiveness across mental health, education, healthcare, organisations, coaching, and community work. Meta-analyses and controlled studies consistently show positive outcomes across diverse populations and contexts, often in fewer sessions than traditional approaches. 7

Research grounded in Hope Theory and the Broaden-and-Build Theory of positive emotions provides further theoretical support, highlighting how a focus on strengths, possibilities, and preferred futures fosters resilience, motivation, and sustainable change. 8 9

Evidence Base – In Depth

Meta-analyses and controlled studies demonstrate positive outcomes across diverse populations and settings.

  • BRIEF London reports over 32 studies showing success in up to 83% of cases, including clients experiencing mental health challenges, substance use, and domestic violence. 7
  • The Salamanca Studies highlight the importance of therapeutic alliance, client control over goals, and recognition of client competencies as key drivers of change in Solution Focused work. 11
  • Hope Theory supports the Solution Focused emphasis on goals and pathways, showing that aligning hope with achievable steps strengthens motivation and engagement. 8
  • The Broaden-and-Build Theory of positive emotions provides further support, demonstrating that positive emotional states foster resilience, resourcefulness, and long-term change. 9

For the full evidence base, research databases, worldwide associations, training providers, and reading list, visit the Members Hub.

Footnotes

  • 7 Kim, J., Jordan, S.S., Franklin, C. & Froerer, A. (2019). Is solution-focused brief therapy evidence-based? An update 10 years later. Family in Society, 100(2), 127–138.
  • 8 Snyder, C.R. (2002). Hope theory: Rainbows in the mind. Psychological Inquiry, 13(4), 249–275.
  • 9 Fredrickson, B.L. (2004). The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 359, 1367–1377.
  • 11 Beyebach, M. (2014). Change factors in solution-focused brief therapy: A review of the Salamanca studies. Journal of Systemic Therapies, 33(1), 62–77.