This study investigated novice psychotherapists' personal values and therapy orientations as a therapist variable affecting their therapeutic rapport with psychotic patients. Both types of therapist characteristics were found significantly related to their initial success in terms of rapport with patients, while psychological differentiation and A-B types (Whitehorn and Betz 1954) were not so related. "Equilitarianism" among the values, expressive-experiential qualities among self-declared fortes, and directiveness among therapy orientations were the specific areas found associated with therapists' initial rapport. Conversely, emphasis on "identification" and "suggestive powers" as modes of change produced inverse correlations with success. The results underscore the importance of these variables as therapist attributes but do not necessarily argue for the absolute or intrinsic advantage of these values and doctrines. The composite picture which emerged of the effective therapists suggested equalitarianism combined with some degree of individualism and eclecticism underlying their personal and professional orientations. This may reflect the prevailing actual pragmatism in the professional community, even though it may contrast with their declared ideological loyalties.
The claim of Witkin, et al. that perceptual field-dependence (as measured by the Rod-and-frame Test and the Embedded-figures Test) is a global trait that cuts across levels of intelligence and psychopathology in a meaningful way is critically examined on the basis of this study. 60 randomly selected patients from Bronx State Hospital and 30 of their therapists were administered the tests. There were wide differences between correlations of scores on the two tests in the patient population and in that of the therapists, challenging the claim for the globality of perceptual field-dependence. Subdividing the patients along the lines of psychopathology suggested by Witkin failed to show significant differences in test performances. The adequacy of this simple two-dimensional category to meaningfully differentiate among patient populations is challenged. A multidimensional model such as that of J. Silverman, et al. seems more appropriate.
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