Citation

Cloitre M, Stovall-McClough KC, Miranda R, Chemtob CM. J. Consult. Clin. Psychol. 2004; 72(3): 411-416.

Affiliation

Institute for Trauma and Stress, Child Study Center, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA. marylene.cloitre@med.nyu.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/0022-006X.72.3.411

PMID

15279525

Abstract

This study examined the related contributions of the therapeutic alliance and negative mood regulation to the outcome of a 2-phase treatment for childhood abuse-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Phase 1 focused on stabilization and preparatory skills building, whereas Phase 2 was comprised primarily of imaginal exposure to traumatic memories. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated the strength of the therapeutic alliance established early in treatment reliably predicted improvement in PTSD symptoms at posttreatment. Furthermore, this relationship was mediated by participants' improved capacity to regulate negative mood states in the context of Phase 2 exposure therapy. In the treatment of childhood abuse-related PTSD, the therapeutic alliance and the mediating influence of emotion regulation capacity appear to have significant roles in successful outcome.

Language: en