Resistance during psychotherapy and behavior therapy

The purpose of the present study into the phenomenon of resistance was twofold. First, the meaning of the concept as conceived by therapists of psychoanalytic and behavioral orientation was investigated. Second, an attempt was made to gain insight into the dynamics of the clinical phenomenon of resistance. The results of the study indicated that both groups of therapists attached virtually the same meaning to the concept of resistance. Both groups viewed the same classes of behaviors as indicative of resistance. Furthermore, it was found, as expected, that analytically oriented therapists reported the occurrence of resistance more frequently. The two groups agreed that "avoiding" and "fighting" behaviors were the most prominent resistances of clients. Therapist behaviors that were most likely to elicit resistance in the client are the "informative" behaviors, such as asking questions about the nature and origin of the complaint. Clinical implications of the research findings are discussed.