Therapist self-disclosure and the therapeutic alliance in the treatment of eating problems

Eat Disord. 2017 Mar-Apr;25(2):151-164. doi: 10.1080/10640266.2016.1269557. Epub 2017 Jan 6.

Abstract

Evidence is mixed regarding the potential utility of therapist self-disclosure. The current study modelled relationships between perceived helpfulness of therapist self-disclosures, therapeutic alliance, patient non-disclosure, and shame in participants (n = 120; 95% women) with a history of eating problems. Serial multiple mediator analyses provided support for a putative model connecting the perceived helpfulness of therapist self-disclosures with current eating disorder symptom severity through therapeutic alliance, patient self-disclosure, and shame. The analyses presented provide support for the contention that therapist self-disclosure, if perceived as helpful, might strengthen the therapeutic alliance. A strong therapeutic alliance, in turn, has the potential to promote patient disclosure and reduce shame and eating problems.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • Professional-Patient Relations*
  • Psychotherapy*
  • Self Disclosure*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult