It takes two to heal: Trait-like and state-like contributions to the therapeutic bond and their association with therapeutic change

Key Points

• This research explores how both trait-like and state-like qualities of therapists and patients affect the therapeutic bond and its impact on therapy outcomes.
• Applied Social Relations Model (SRM) to analyze the therapeutic relationship within psychotherapy contexts.
• Examined contributions of stable traits and dynamic states to bond quality and therapeutic change.
• Identified both trait-like and state-like characteristics significantly contribute to the therapeutic bond.
• Highlight that the therapeutic relationship is pivotal for achieving better outcomes in psychotherapy.