Exploring interpersonal variables within the supervisory relationship: The role of supervisory alliance, supervisory style, and supervisee attachment

• Main Author: Wierda, Kathryn E
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01.01.2016
• Subjects: Clinical psychology; Counseling Psychology; Organizational behavior; Psychology
• ISBN: 1369372604; 9781369372601

In the current study, I examined the role of the supervisory working alliance, supervisory style, and supervisee attachment within the supervisory relationship. A sample of 79 supervisees from a large Midwestern University in the United States, as well as 26 supervisors from a large Midwestern University and from the surrounding community, participated in this study. Interested participants were asked to complete an online survey, which included instruments measuring the supervisory working alliance, supervisory style, and supervisee attachment. Correlation analyses and multiple linear regressions were used to examine the relationship between and among supervisee attachment, supervisory style, and the supervisory working alliance. Results revealed that supervisees and supervisors rated the attractive dimension of supervisory style and the client focus dimension of the supervisory working alliance as significantly different. Results also revealed an association between supervisee attachment anxiety and their perception of interpersonal sensitivity. Lastly, an exploratory analysis revealed a relationship between supervisees’ attachment anxiety and supervisors’ ratings of interpersonal sensitivity. The findings of this study begin to shed light on the importance of interpersonal variables within the supervisory relationship and in the promotion of positive training outcomes.