title: The impact of initial factors on therapeutic alliance in individual and couples therapy.
abstract: The study uses 457 clients to investigate the impact of initial client factors on the development of therapeutic alliance. Data were collected longitudinally over the early portion of treatment. Cases included both individual and couple clients, allowing for examination of differences by case type. The study used the Working Alliance Inventory-Shortened Version (Tracey & Kokotovic, 1989) to measure therapeutic alliance. Initial factors considered included age, differentiation levels, prior stress, and depression. Couple clients showed differences from individual clients, and the variability prompted further investigation into relationship satisfaction and commitment as factors influencing the development of therapeutic alliance. Results highlight the increased complexity of developing an alliance with couples, and recommendations are provided for clinicians.
authors: Department of Human Development and Family Science,Couple and Family Therapy Program, The Ohio State University, 1787 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Knerr
authors: Suzanne
authors: S
authors: Bartle-Haring
authors: Tiffany
authors: T
authors: McDowell
authors: Katie
authors: K
authors: Adkins
authors: Robin Ostrom
authors: RO
authors: Delaney
authors: Rashmi
authors: R
authors: Gangamma
authors: Tatiana
authors: T
authors: Glebova
authors: Erika
authors: E
authors: Grafsky
authors: Kevin
authors: K
authors: Meyer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D019546:Couples Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires