Psychotherapists' countertransference reactions toward clients with antisocial personality disorder and schizophrenia: an empirical test of theory.
Contemporary theoretical and clinical literature asserts that countertransference reactions are common and may be specific to clients' presenting concerns and interpersonal styles. Although this phenomenon has broad implications for psychotherapy training and practice, little empirical research is available to support these claims. This study investigated the phenomenon of client-induced countertransference toward two client populations that may evoke strong reactions in psychotherapists--persons with Antisocial Personality Disorder and Schizophrenia. Results of a MANOVA and follow-up ANOVAs indicate that psychotherapists displayed significantly stronger feelings of being dominated (i.e., exploited, manipulated, talked down to) by clients with Antisocial Personality Disorders. Counselors manifested significantly stronger positive feelings (i.e., being liked and welcomed and being in charge, that is, being put in a decision-making role) when working with clients having Schizophrenia. We discuss research and clinical implications of these findings.
Schwartz
Robert C
RC
The University of Akron, Department of Counseling, Akron OH 44325-5007, USA. rcs@uakron.edu
Smith
Shannon D
SD
Chopko
Brian
B
D000328:Adult; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D003379:Countertransference; D003710:Demography; D036262:Empirical Research; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires