Alliance rupture and repair processes and therapeutic change in youth with borderline personality disorder

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate alliance rupture and repair processes in psychotherapy for youth with borderline personality disorder. It sought to examine whether alliance processes differ between treatments, across the phases of therapy, and what associations these processes might have with therapeutic outcomes. Design: The study involves repeated measurement of both process and outcome measures. Hypotheses were addressed using within- and between-subjects analyses. Methods: Forty-four people, aged 15–24, with a diagnosis of BPD were randomized to receive either 16 sessions of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) or a supportive treatment known as Befriending. In addition to pre-po..