This study examined several theoretical propositions regarding the role of the real relationship using a sample of 59 psychotherapy dyads. As hypothesized, positive associations were evident between therapist ratings of the real relationship and their ratings of the working alliance and client progress; negative associations were found between therapist ratings of the real relationship and attachment avoidance. For clients, significant and hypothesized associations were found between ratings of the real relationship and secure attachment to therapists as well as their perceptions of therapist empathy. Regression analyses showed that client ratings of the real relationship were significantly associated with their ratings of progress in treatment above and beyond their ratings of the working alliance, therapist empathy, and attachment.
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Fuertes et al. (2007) studied this question.
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