title: Frequency, severity, and evolution of split family alliances: how observable are they?
abstract: Split alliances (within-family differences in the emotional bond with the therapist) were studied in 19 U.S. and 21 Spanish families using the System for Observing Family Therapy Alliances (SOFTA; Friedlander, Escudero, & Heatherington, 2006). Examining individual family members' scores on the corresponding self-report and observational Emotional Connection to the Therapist SOFTA scales, the authors identified mild, moderate, and severe split alliances. In both samples, self-reported splits occurred frequently and with almost all of the therapists. Although clients' observed interactions with the therapist often mirrored their self-reports, family members' perceptions of the therapeutic bond were generally more discrepant than their behavior suggested. The majority of families that dropped out had a moderately or severely split alliance in at least one session.
authors.affiliation: Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Muñiz de la Peña
authors.forename: Myrna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Friedlander
authors.forename: Valentín
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Escudero
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D002648:Child; D019546:Couples Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult