Developing a prototype for relationship therapy psychoanalysis: an empirical study with the Psychotherapy Process...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychotherapy Research

Background:

• The Psychotherapy Process Q-set (PQS) is a tool for characterizing therapeutic processes.
• A specific PQS prototype for psychoanalytic relationship therapy, particularly from the Italian Society of Psychoanalysis of the Relationship (SIPRe), was previously undefined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize an ideal PQS prototype for psychoanalytic relationship therapy as practiced by SIPRe.
• To assess the agreement among experts in defining this prototype.

Main Methods:

• Experts from SIPRe utilized the 100-Item PQS to rate an ideal SIPRe therapy session.
• Statistical analyses, including Cronbach's alpha, Pearson's r, and Spearman's rho, were employed to evaluate agreement and correlations.

Main Results:

• High inter-rater reliability was found (Cronbach's alpha=0.84).
• The developed SIPRe therapy prototype significantly correlated with psychoanalytic (r=0.68) and short expressive-supportive therapy (r=0.69) prototypes.
• Weaker, yet significant, correlations were observed with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (r=0.28) and Interpersonal Therapy (r=0.22) prototypes.
• Excellent agreement was noted between junior and expert SIPRe therapists (Spearman's rho=0.936).

Conclusions:

• A distinct PQS prototype for SIPRe psychoanalytic relationship therapy has been successfully established.
• This prototype aligns closely with other psychodynamic approaches, suggesting shared core elements.
• The findings support the validity and reliability of the PQS in characterizing specific psychotherapeutic modalities.