Therapist Emotions and Patient Alliance in Personality Disorder Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Breivik Øvstebø Randi, Pedersen Geir, Wilberg Theresa, Røssberg Jan Ivar, Johnsen Dahl Hanne-Sofie, Kvarstein Elfrida Hartveit
Primary Institution: Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
Hypothesis
Does early patient-rated alliance predict therapist countertransference development during treatment?
Conclusion
The study shows that negative countertransference in therapists is associated with lower patient-rated alliance and that non-completers exhibit increasingly negative countertransference during therapy.
Supporting Evidence
- Lower early alliance ratings were associated with higher initial inadequate countertransference.
- Therapists experienced increasingly negative countertransference in treatments that were not completed.
- Patients with more severe personality pathology elicited more negative feelings in therapists.
Takeaway
This study looks at how therapists' feelings about their patients can affect the treatment, especially for people with personality disorders. If patients feel less connected to their therapist, the therapist might feel more negative emotions.
Methodology
A longitudinal observational study assessing countertransference and patient alliance over time in 365 patients treated for personality disorders.
Potential Biases
Potential underreporting of negative feelings by both therapists and patients due to discomfort or lack of awareness.
Limitations
Missing assessments due to varying treatment durations and the inability to analyze therapist qualifications in detail.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of patients was 33 years, 77% were female, and 75% had one or more personality disorders.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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