THE IPSCOPE FRAMEWORK: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS IN ANALYSING AND SYSTEMIC THERAPY
Keywords:
IPscope framework, interpersonal patterns, systemic therapy, family therapyAbstract
The IPscope framework, developed by Karl Tomm et al. in 2014, offers a systemic approach to analyzing
interpersonal patterns (IPs) in therapeutic contexts, shifting focus from individual pathology to relational dynamics. This systematic review synthesizes literature on its applications, empirical support, and implications, addressing gaps in existing systemic therapy reviews that overlook specific frameworks like the IPscope. Following PRISMA guidelines, searches were conducted in databases including PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ProQuest (2014-2025) using terms such as "IPscope framework" AND "family therapy" or "interpersonal patterns." Inclusion criteria required explicit IPscope reference, focus on IPs in therapeutic/familial contexts, and English-language peer-reviewed publications or dissertations. Data extraction covered study characteristics, IP types (e.g., PIPs, HIPs, TIPs), applications, and outcomes. Quality was assessed via the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), with narrative synthesis grouping themes: clinical applications, supervision, cultural adaptations, and outcomes. Twenty-two studies were included: 8 book chapters, 7 journal articles, and 2 dissertations, predominantly theoretical/case-based. Key findings indicate PIPs (e.g., blaming-withdrawing) as common distress maintainers, transformed via TIPs to HIPs/WIPs in family/couple therapy. Supervisory uses addressed isomorphism, while cultural adaptations highlighted SCIPs. Outcomes showed qualitative improvements in relational preferences (70-80% cases), especially post-COVID. The IPscope enhances systemic practice by fostering relational understandings, though limited empirical rigor and geographic concentration (mostly Canada) are noted. Implications include refined clinical tools and calls for RCTs. This review underscores the framework's timeliness amid relational strains, guiding future integration in mental health services.
