Cersosimo Bianca H, Hilsenroth Mark J, Bornstein Robert F, Gold Jerold R
Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, USA.
Assessment. 2022 Jun;29(4):806-816. doi: 10.1177/1073191121990092. Epub 2021 Feb 9.
We examined relationships between the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) clinical scales (e.g., Somatic Complaints [SOM]) and subscales (e.g., Conversion [SOM-C]) with patient- and therapist-rated alliance early in treatment (third or fourth session). We also replicated and extended findings from a previous study examining PAI treatment scales (Treatment Rejection, Treatment Process Index) and early session therapist-rated alliance. We used PAI protocols from a clinical outpatient sample ( = 84). Data were analyzed using stepwise linear regressions. Results suggest that patients who report lower early session alliance also report more antisocial features (β = -.219, = .050, = 0.05) specifically more antisocial behaviors (β = -.315, = .004, = 0.11). Additionally, therapists report higher early session alliance with patients who report more anxiety-related disorders (β = .274, = .012, = 0.08), specifically traumatic stress (β = .325, = .003, = 0.12). No significant relationships were found between patient- or therapist-rated alliance and Treatment Rejection and Treatment Process Index, consistent with prior findings. Clinical implications are discussed.
