AUTHOR=Hauber Kirsten , Boon Albert 

TITLE=First-Session Therapeutic Relationship and Outcome in High Risk Adolescents Intensive Group Psychotherapeutic Programme

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=13

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.916888

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2022.916888

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Background</title><p>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.</p></sec><sec><title>Method</title><p>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.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>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.</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title><p>Adolescents assessment of FRST is indicative of the chance of a good outcome.</p></sec>