Interpersonal control in psychotherapy: a comparison of two definitions

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychotherapy Research
• Interpersonal Dynamics

Background:

• Therapist interpersonal control is crucial in psychotherapy.
• Existing definitions, like Ericson and Rogers (1973) and Tracey and Ray (1984), offer different perspectives.
• Understanding these differences is key to accurately assessing therapeutic interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the Ericson and Rogers (1973) relational coding scheme with the Tracey and Ray (1984) topic initiation/topic following schema.
• To assess the overlap and convergent validity between these two operationalizations of therapist control.
• To determine if the schemas identify the same participant as exerting control in therapy dyads.

Main Methods:

• Three psychotherapy dyads were analyzed.
• Therapist-client interactions were independently coded using both the Ericson and Rogers schema and the Tracey and Ray schema.
• The coded data from each schema were correlated to evaluate their relationship.

Main Results:

• A moderate correlation was found between the two schemas, suggesting marginal convergent validity.
• Despite the correlation, the schemas attributed control to different participants.
• The Ericson and Rogers model indicated client control, while the Tracey and Ray model suggested therapist control.

Conclusions:

• The two schemas for operationalizing interpersonal control in psychotherapy demonstrate limited convergent validity.
• The differing results underscore the complexity and subtlety of the control construct in therapeutic relationships.
• Further research is needed to refine the understanding and measurement of control in psychotherapy.