Attachment as a Predictor of the Therapeutic Alliance in Couple Therapy

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.