Abstract:  Formal feedback refers to the systematic monitoring of client perception of progress throughout therapy through the use of standardized scales and a real-time comparison with an expected treatment response (ETR) to gauge client progress, and then provide this information to clinicians inform further treatment. Outcome Questionnaire System (OQS) and Partners for Change Outcome Management System (PCOMS) are two main measuring tools that are widely used to collect client feedback. Formal feedback appears to be effective for clients who are not progressing well in therapy, the so-called not-on-track (NOT) cases. It also increases the overall speed of progress in clients and promotes better cooperation between therapists and clients. The current study sought to investigate the mechanisms of formal feedback based on contextualized feedback intervention theory (CFIT) and the interactions between therapists and clients. Factors affecting the intervention effects of formal feedback included feedback itself, initial distress level, impact from therapists, and duration of therapy. The article included discussion on methodological problems and limitations, shortcomings of the mechanisms, and recommendations for further cross-cultural research on formal feedback in China.

Key words:  formal feedback, psychotherapy, evidence-based treatment