Psychotherapists' Countertransference Reactions Toward Clients with Antisocial Personality Disorder and Schizophrenia : An Empirical Test of Theory

• Published in: American journal of psychotherapy Vol. 61; no. 4; pp. 375 - 393
• Main Authors: SCHWARTZ, Robert C, SMITH, Shannon D, CHOPKO, Brian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bronx, NY Association for the Advancement of Psychotherapy 2007; American Psychiatric Association
• Subjects: Adult; Antisocial personality disorder; Antisocial Personality Disorder - therapy; Biological and medical sciences; Clinical outcomes; Countertransference; Countertransference (Psychology); Demography; Empirical Research; Female; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Mental health; Middle Aged; Personality disorders; Professional-Patient Relations; Psychological Theory; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Psychotherapists; Psychotherapy; Schizophrenia; Schizophrenia - therapy; Sound & vibration instruments; Studies; Surveys and Questionnaires; Theory; Therapeutical relation and framework; Treatments; Human; Psychosis; Transference countertransference; Treatment; Antisocial personality; Young adult; Psychotherapy; Schizophrenia; Adult; Psychotherapist; Personality disorder
• ISSN: 0002-9564; 2575-6559
• DOI: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2007.61.4.375

Contemporary theoretical and clinical literature asserts that countertransference reactions are common and may be specific to clients' presenting concerns and interpersonal styles. Although this phenomenon has broad implications for psychotherapy training and practice, little empirical research is available to support these claims. This study investigated the phenomenon of client-induced countertransference toward two client populations that may evoke strong reactions in psychotherapists--persons with Antisocial Personality Disorder and Schizophrenia. Results of a MANOVA and follow-up ANOVAs indicate that psychotherapists displayed significantly stronger feelings of being dominated (i.e., exploited, manipulated, talked down to) by clients with Antisocial Personality Disorders. Counselors manifested significantly stronger positive feelings (i.e., being liked and welcomed and being in charge, that is, being put in a decision-making role) when working with clients having Schizophrenia. We discuss research and clinical implications of these findings.