Influence of therapist variables on working alliance and therapy outcome

Zimmerman, Jane and Bambling, Matthew (2012) Influence of therapist variables on working alliance and therapy outcome. Psychotherapy in Australia, 18 2: 76-82.

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Author Zimmerman, Jane
Bambling, Matthew
Title Influence of therapist variables on working alliance and therapy outcome
Journal name Psychotherapy in Australia  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank C)
Publication date 2012-02
Sub-type Article
Volume number 18
Issue number 2
ISSN 1323-0921
Start page 76
End page 82
Total pages 7
Place of publication Kew, Vic., Australia
Publisher PsychOz Publications
Collection year 2013
Language eng
Abstract While the quality of the working alliance between therapist and client might be the best predictor of treatment outcome, are there other factors that contribute to therapeutic outcome? The literature supports a case for a relationship between working alliance or therapeutic outcome, and therapist characteristics such as attitudes, personality variables and attachment style. This pilot study investigated the effect of therapist characteristics on client-rated working alliance and functioning over the course of psychological therapy. Findings indicated that high scores for the therapist attitude of 'adjustment' - characterised by a view that the curative factors in psychotherapy require a more active, educative, and leading role of the therapist - predicted positive symptom outcome over time. In addition, high therapist scores for an 'artistic' attitude - a view of psychotherapy as a creative art form rather than a science - and a close attachment style, predicted positive client ratings of working alliance. Zimmerman and Bambling conclude that the findings of this pilot study suggest therapist attachment style and attitudes may have an impact on client outcomes and interpersonal process in psychotherapy. Directions for future research are considered.
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Confirmed Code
Institutional Status UQ

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Article
Collections: Official 2013 Collection
Admin Only - School of Medicine
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Created: Tue, 20 Mar 2012, 15:03:43 EST by Sheila Cleary on behalf of Psychiatry - Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital