Developing a prototype for relationship therapy psychoanalysis: an empirical study with the Psychotherapy Process Q-set

A Psychotherapy Process Q-set (PQS) prototype characteristic of psychoanalytic relationship therapy does not yet exist. Experts in psychoanalysis of relationship therapy [from the Italian Society of Psychoanalysis of the Relationship (SIPRe)] used the 100-Item PQS questionnaire to rate an ideal SIPRe therapy. Agreement between rates was high (Cronbach’s alpha=0.84). The prototype for SIPRe therapy showed a significant correlation to the psychoanalytic prototype (r=0.68, p<0.000) and to the short expressive-supportive therapy (r=0.69, p<0.000) prototype. Correlations with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (r=0.28, p<0.005) and Interpersonal Therapy (r=0.22, p<0.031), prototypes were significant, but weaker. The correlation between the two SIPRe samples (junior and expert therapists) was highly significant (Spearman’s rho=0.936; p<000).