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Influence of Therapist and Client Behaviors on Therapy Alliance

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ABSTRACT

This study considers the combined effect of therapist behaviors and couples’ interaction dynamics on therapeutic alliance because it seems to be a significant predictor of successful therapy outcomes. We measured therapeutic alliance using the Working Alliance Inventory, Observer Version (WAI-O), which includes three subscales: goals, tasks, and bond. We investigated the combined effect of therapist behaviors and couples interactions on therapeutic alliance. There were three significant findings: (1) the models better predicted therapeutic alliance for men clients than women clients; (2) combined consideration of partner behaviors and therapist behaviors provided the stronger prediction of therapeutic alliance; and (3) different variables predicted alliance for women clients versus men clients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Anastasi Counseling Iowa State University, Mason City, Lowa, IA, 50011-4380, USA

    Sarah Elizabeth Gellhaus Thomas, Ronald Jay Werner-Wilson & Megan J. Murphy

Authors
  1. Sarah Elizabeth Gellhaus Thomas
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  2. Ronald Jay Werner-Wilson
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  3. Megan J. Murphy
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Thomas, S.E.G., Werner-Wilson, R.J. & Murphy, M. Influence of Therapist and Client Behaviors on Therapy Alliance. Contemp Fam Ther 27, 19–35 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-004-1968-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-004-1968-z

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