https://doi.org/10.4081/ripppo.2024.751
The assessment of therapist responsiveness in psychotherapy research: a systematic review
Submitted: January 16, 2024
Accepted: May 13, 2024
Published: June 19, 2024
Accepted: May 13, 2024
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SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: 127
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
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Therapist responsiveness is an emerging construct in psychotherapy research that still lacks a clear definition and, consequently, a unique operationalization. Indeed, there is a great overlap between therapist responsiveness and other variables, such as attunement, flexibility, and empathy. This overlap inevitably hinders the assessment of the therapist’s responsiveness, although it is crucial for the effectiveness of the treatments. Therefore, the current systematic review aims at exploring the different methodologies of measurement and analysis of therapist responsiveness, including both direct and indirect instruments. The results confirmed difficulties and divergences in the operationalization of the construct, as shown by the great heterogeneity found in the choice and use of the tools. Furthermore, this review provides guidance for future research, clinical practice, and training of therapists.
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How to Cite
Esposito, G., Cuomo, F., Di Maro, A., & Passeggia, R. (2024). The assessment of therapist responsiveness in psychotherapy research: a systematic review. Research in Psychotherapy: Psychopathology, Process and Outcome, 27(2). https://doi.org/10.4081/ripppo.2024.751
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