Attachment as a Predictor of the Therapeutic Alliance in Couple Therapy

Keywords

therapeutic alliance, couple therapy, attachment style, partners

Abstract

There is substantial evidence that the therapeutic alliance is an important predictor of successful outcome in couple therapy. However, little research has addressed the predictors of the development of a strong therapeutic alliance. One possible predictor is attachment styles among the two partners because of the effect of attachment styles to influence the formation of important personal relationships. The relationship between attachment at the first session and the therapeutic alliance at the fourth session was examined using data from 115 couples in couple therapy. Using Structural Equation Modeling, results indicated that only wives' avoidant attachment was significant predictive of the therapeutic alliance.

Original Publication Citation

Miller, R. B., *Bills, S., *Kubricht, B., Sandberg, J. G., Bean, R. A. Ketring, S. A. (2015). Attachment as a predictor of the therapeutic alliance in couples therapy. American Journal of Family Therapy, 43, 215-226.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2015-05-15

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/6770

Publisher

The American Journal of Family Therapy

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Sociology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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