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Published on: January 17, 2025
First-Session Therapeutic Relationship and Outcome in High Risk Adolescents Intensive Group Psychotherapeutic
Kirsten Hauber1,2, Albert Boon1,2
1LUMC Curium, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands.
Background:
An important determinant of therapy outcome is the quality of the therapeutic relationship. This study evaluated the association between the client's assessment of first-session therapeutic relationship (FSTR) and outcome in an intensive treatment for adolescents with personality disorders.
Method:
Patients (N = 92) were measured weekly during intensive group treatment. The therapeutic relationship was measured with the Child version of the Session Rating Scale (C-SRS) that was completed after each group therapy session by the patient. Outcome was measured with the Child version of the Outcome Rating Scale (C-ORS). Reliable change index (RCI) was calculated for the both instruments to determine significant changes in therapeutic relationship and outcome.
Results:
A good FRST gave twice as much chance of a significantly better outcome. Especially for those with moderate FSTR, establishing and maintaining a good working relationship during treatment could increase the chances of a good outcome considerably. In contrast, adolescents with low FSTR had little chance of positive outcome regardless of any improvement in the therapeutic relationship.
Conclusion:
Adolescents assessment of FRST is indicative of the chance of a good outcome.
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