Alliance rupture and repair processes and therapeutic change in youth with borderline personality disorder

作者:Gersh Elon; Hulbert Carol A; McKechnie Ben; Ramadan Reem; Worotniuk Tamara; Chanen Andrew M*
来源:Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice , 2017, 90(1): 84-104.
DOI:10.1111/papt.12097

摘要

Objectives This study aimed to investigate alliance rupture and repair processes in psychotherapy for youth with borderline personality disorder. It sought to examine whether alliance processes differ between treatments, across the phases of therapy, and what associations these processes might have with therapeutic outcomes. Design The study involves repeated measurement of both process and outcome measures. Hypotheses were addressed using within- and between-subjects analyses. Methods Forty-four people, aged 15-24, with a diagnosis of BPD were randomized to receive either 16 sessions of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) or a supportive treatment known as Befriending. In addition to pre-post outcome assessments, alliance processes were rated using the observer-based Rupture Resolution Rating Scale. Results Results indicated that CAT and Befriending did not differ in terms of number of ruptures, although CAT was associated with more stages of rupture resolution. Examination of alliance processes across time pointed to increasing ruptures, more frequent confrontation ruptures and increasing rupture resolution, suggesting increased volatility, directness and productivity in the therapeutic process across time. Contrary to hypotheses, there was no consistent link between alliance processes and outcome. However, two specific phases were significant. Early treatment ruptures were associated with poor outcome whereas greater late treatment resolution was associated with better outcomes. Conclusions This study suggests that alliance processes can differ across treatments and the phases of therapy in psychotherapy for youth with BPD. Alliance ruptures are more likely to be problematic early in therapy but later in therapy, they appear to be opportunities for therapeutic growth.

  • 出版日期2017-3