Therapist responsiveness and patient engagement in therapy

Irene Elkin, Lydia Falconnier, Yvonne Smith, Kelli E. Canada, Edward Henderson, Eric R. Brown, Benjamin M. McKay

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study tests the hypothesis that therapist responsiveness in the first two sessions of therapy relates to three measures of early patient engagement in treatment. Using videotapes and data from the NIMH Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Program (TDCRP), an instrument was developed to measure therapist responsiveness in the first two sessions of Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy. A factor measuring positive therapeutic atmosphere, as well as a global item of therapist responsiveness, predicted both the patient's positive perception of the therapeutic relationship after the second session and the patient's remaining in therapy for more than four sessions. A negative therapist behavior factor also predicted early termination. Factors measuring therapist attentiveness and early empathic responding did not predict the engagement variables.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)52-66
Number of pages15
JournalPsychotherapy Research
Volume24
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • early termination
  • patient-therapist relationship
  • therapeutic alliance
  • therapist responsiveness

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology

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