Continuous client feedback aims to increase the effectiveness of therapy by emphasizing common factors in treatment across theories that contribute the most to change. In this paper, we present data using two independent measures, which appears to isolate the influence of social desirability on treatment outcomes.

Continuous client feedback data was collected in the Student Health Partnership program and compared with independent data reflecting client function (Child Global Assessment of Function). Data was collected at two times by the same staff using two sampling methods. In the first sample, staff preferentially assigned clients to case (continuous client feedback) and comparison treatment as usual) on the basis of preference and convenience whereas in the second sample assignment to case and comparison was random.

When the data from the two sample frames was compared, systematically different trajectories in the measured outcomes reflecting continuous client feedback and function were obtained with those in sample one being substantially higher than comparisons or population reference values.

The difference in results emerging from the two sampling frames is explained in terms of social desirability. Outcomes for clients were much better in the first sample, where staff choose clients they apparently liked for specialized treatment.