Statisticians will often describe how extreme performances, both good and bad, tend to be followed by more average levels of performance. This ________ might be one explanation for why many psychotherapy patients seem to improve regardless of the type of therapy received.

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Regression to the mean is the statistical phenomenon where extreme performances (in this case, extreme levels of psychological distress) are likely to be followed by more average levels of performance (or psychological functioning). This can make it appear as though a particular treatment or intervention was effective, when in reality the improvement may have happened naturally over time.

Statisticians Will Often Describe How Extreme Performances, Both Good and Bad