In clinical theory transference interpretations represent a central therapeutic technique and a specific mechanism of change in psychodynamic psychotherapies. However, the empirical basis lags behind the theoretical considerations. This article reviews both the results of empirical research on transference interpretations and their definitions of the measures employed (systematic database search for the timespan 1970-2011). The empirical results are rather heterogeneous and in part contradictory. As it turns out, specific patient characteristics (e.g., the quality of object relations), the amount and quality of transference interpretations as well as the patients' immediate reaction all decisively influence the potency of the change of transference interpretations. Currently, it is not possible to develop clear therapeutic strategies based on previous findings. Careful use of transference interpretations is generally recommended. Various methods for measuring transference interpretations exist, but the definitions do not correspond completely. A standardization of definitions would increase the comparability and interpretability of findings and greatly improve concordance with theory.
