Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Therapists' attachment, patients' interpersonal problems and alliance development over time in inpatient
Ulrike Dinger1, Micha Strack2, Tilmann Sachsse1
1Clinic for Psychosomatic and General Clinical Medicine.
Abstract:
The focus of this study is the investigation of the relation between patients' interpersonal problems, therapists' attachment representations, and the development of the therapeutic alliance over time. The authors investigated weekly alliance ratings of 281 psychotherapy inpatients, treated by 12 psychotherapists. Alliance quality was measured with the Inpatient Experience Scale. Multilevel regression models showed that patients' interpersonal problems were associated with the level of alliance quality. Therapists' attachment security was not related to alliance development, but higher attachment preoccupation of therapists was associated with lower levels of alliance quality. In addition, an interaction effect between therapists' degree of attachment preoccupation and patients' interpersonal problems explained variations of the alliance development curve over time. Limitations of the study are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).
Related Concept Videos
Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Psychodynamic Therapy
Attachment Styles
Hazan and Shaver's Attachment Styles
