Measuring the Real Relationship in Psychotherapy: Initial Validation of the Therapist Form.

Abstract

The development and initial validation of a therapist-rated measure of the real relationship in psycho-therapy (the Real Relationship Inventory—Therapist Form [RRI–T]) is reported. Using a sample ( n 80) of practicing psychotherapists and on the basis of prior theory, the authors developed a 24-itemmeasure consisting of 2 subscales (Realism and Genuineness) and a total score. This 24-item version andother measures used for validation were completed by 79 additional practicing therapists and 51counseling graduate students ( n 130). The RRI–T was found to have high reliability and sound initialvalidity. As theorized, the RRI–T correlated significantly with measures of working alliance, sessionoutcome (depth and smoothness), client intellectual and emotional insight, and client negative transfer-ence. Discriminant validity was supported by a nonsignificant relation to social desirability.Keywords: real relationship, therapist measure, therapeutic relationship, validation