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Assessing Processes of Connection and Development in Observations of the Therapeutic Relationship

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Date Issued:
2016
Summary:
The present study applies Driver and Gottman’s (2004a) Turning System to observations of the therapeutic relationship in a quasi-experimental between and within groups design. A sample of 63 full counseling sessions (21 first sessions with clients who return for four sessions, 21 first sessions for clients who terminate therapy prior to four sessions, and 21 fourth sessions) were collected from a university counseling center in South Florida. Clients and clinicians also completed self report evaluations of the therapeutic relationship that were also included in this study (Working Alliance Inventory – Short Form, and the Real Relationship Inventory). A series of multivariate analysis of the variance (MANOVA) tests were performed to assess for significant differences in Turning System behavior between return and dropout groups in the first sessions of therapy, as well as for significant differences between return groups’ first and fourth sessions. Correlation analyses were run for client and therapist self report data and Turning System codes. Overall, the Turning System codes did not predict attrition from therapy; however, significant effects were found for specific behaviors in the return versus dropout comparisons, including client’s uses of negative bids, high level questions, and preoccupied away responses. The Turning System also did not predict clear differences between behaviors in ongoing therapy, though significant effects were again found for individual behaviors enacted by both clients and therapists. Significant negative correlations were also found for return group clients between specific behaviors and ratings of the therapeutic alliance, such as high level questions and preoccupied away responses. Individual behaviors in the therapist return group, such as high level questions, negative bids, and interruptions, correlated negatively with ratings of the therapeutic alliance. The results of this study are presented in an effort to synthesize the data into a narrative for developing effective therapeutic relationships and guidance for future research.
Title: Assessing Processes of Connection and Development in Observations of the Therapeutic Relationship.
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Name(s): Freund, Robert R., author
Peluso, Paul R., Thesis advisor
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
College of Education
Department of Counselor Education
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Date Created: 2016
Date Issued: 2016
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 156 p.
Language(s): English
Summary: The present study applies Driver and Gottman’s (2004a) Turning System to observations of the therapeutic relationship in a quasi-experimental between and within groups design. A sample of 63 full counseling sessions (21 first sessions with clients who return for four sessions, 21 first sessions for clients who terminate therapy prior to four sessions, and 21 fourth sessions) were collected from a university counseling center in South Florida. Clients and clinicians also completed self report evaluations of the therapeutic relationship that were also included in this study (Working Alliance Inventory – Short Form, and the Real Relationship Inventory). A series of multivariate analysis of the variance (MANOVA) tests were performed to assess for significant differences in Turning System behavior between return and dropout groups in the first sessions of therapy, as well as for significant differences between return groups’ first and fourth sessions. Correlation analyses were run for client and therapist self report data and Turning System codes. Overall, the Turning System codes did not predict attrition from therapy; however, significant effects were found for specific behaviors in the return versus dropout comparisons, including client’s uses of negative bids, high level questions, and preoccupied away responses. The Turning System also did not predict clear differences between behaviors in ongoing therapy, though significant effects were again found for individual behaviors enacted by both clients and therapists. Significant negative correlations were also found for return group clients between specific behaviors and ratings of the therapeutic alliance, such as high level questions and preoccupied away responses. Individual behaviors in the therapist return group, such as high level questions, negative bids, and interruptions, correlated negatively with ratings of the therapeutic alliance. The results of this study are presented in an effort to synthesize the data into a narrative for developing effective therapeutic relationships and guidance for future research.
Identifier: FA00004788 (IID)
Degree granted: Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016.
Collection: FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Note(s): Includes bibliography.
Subject(s): Psychotherapy.
Psychotherapist and patient.
Patient participation.
Mind and body therapies.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Client-centered psychotherapy.
Affect (Psychology)
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Sublocation: Digital Library
Links: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004788
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004788
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Use and Reproduction: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.