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Association between interpersonal behaviour and helping alliance in substance-dependent patients
G H De Weert-Van Oene1, F Jörg, C A J de Jong
1Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. g.h.deweert@umcutrecht.nl
European Addiction Research
|March 18, 2006
Summary
Patient and therapist interpersonal behaviors significantly influence the therapeutic alliance in substance dependence treatment. Patient perceptions of their own and their therapist's actions are key to the helping relationship.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Therapeutic Relationships
Background:
- Understanding the factors that contribute to a successful therapeutic alliance is crucial in substance dependence treatment.
- Patient and therapist interpersonal behaviors are believed to play a significant role in shaping the therapeutic relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the association between patient's self-perception of interpersonal behavior, therapist's interpersonal behavior, and the helping alliance.
- To investigate the distinct contributions of these domains to the therapeutic relationship in substance dependence programs.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 83 patients from Dutch substance dependence programs.
- Utilized the Helping Alliance Questionnaire (HAQ) and the Interpersonal Check List (ICL) for data collection.
Main Results:
- Patient's perception of the therapeutic alliance, their own interpersonal behavior, and the therapist's interpersonal behavior are distinct but related domains.
- Helping Alliance scores were predicted by patient's complaisant behavior and therapist's dominant behavior.
Conclusions:
- Patient cognitions regarding themselves and their therapist significantly impact the perception of the therapeutic relationship.
- Interpersonal dynamics between patient and therapist are integral to forming a strong helping alliance in substance dependence treatment.