Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
A meta-analysis of the relation between patient adult attachment style and the working alliance
Samantha L Bernecker1, Kenneth N Levy, William D Ellison
1a Psychology , University of Massachusetts Amherst , Amherst , MA , USA.
Abstract:
This meta-analysis synthesizes research on the relation between patient adult attachment style and patient-rated working alliance. A random-effects model was used to calculate the mean weighted product-moment correlation (r) for 24 studies (12 published in peer-reviewed journals and 12 unpublished doctoral dissertations) of individual outpatient therapy with adults. The mean weighted r for attachment avoidance and alliance was -.137, p<.001, and the mean weighted r for attachment anxiety and alliance was -.121, p<.001. These findings suggest that therapists should attend to attachment in order to foster alliance and have additional implications for theory and future research.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Hazan and Shaver's Attachment Styles
Attachment Styles
Relationship with Parents: Attachment
Attachment
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...

