Potential Role of Nonverbal Synchrony in Psychotherapy: A Meta-Analysis

IF 1.2 Q3 PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL

Counselling & Psychotherapy Research Pub Date : 2025-01-15 DOI:10.1002/capr.12885

Camilla Gregorini, Pietro De Carli, Laura Antonia Lucia Parolin, Wolfgang Tschacher, Emanuele Preti

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Abstract

Background

Interpersonal synchrony entails the coordination of verbal and nonverbal features underlying communicative patterns. However, the strength of the association between the synchronisation of nonverbal features (movements and vocal tones) and therapeutic alliance and outcome remains unclear.

Objectives

This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the strength of (1) the association between nonverbal synchrony and perception of alliance reported by the patients, (2) the association between nonverbal synchrony and therapeutic outcome, and (3) the moderating role of the type of psychotherapeutic approach.

Methods

This meta-analysis included 11 studies. Inclusion criteria were studies that utilised a quantitative measure of nonverbal synchrony in association with measures of therapeutic alliance and outcome.

Results

Random effects model indicated that nonverbal synchrony was significantly associated with the alliance perceived by the patient (r = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.02–0.35; z = 2.18, p = 0.02); however, it was not significantly associated with the therapeutic outcome (r = 0.22; 95% CI: −0.04 to 0.47; z = 1.65, p = 0.09). No moderating effects were observed for the type of therapeutic approach.

Conclusions

These findings support the view that nonverbal synchrony is a central aspect of psychotherapy and highlight the possible interdependence between nonverbal synchrony and therapeutic alliance.

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来源期刊

Counselling & Psychotherapy Research PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL-

CiteScore

4.40

自引率

12.50%

发文量

期刊介绍： Counselling and Psychotherapy Research is an innovative international peer-reviewed journal dedicated to linking research with practice. Pluralist in orientation, the journal recognises the value of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods strategies of inquiry and aims to promote high-quality, ethical research that informs and develops counselling and psychotherapy practice. CPR is a journal of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, promoting reflexive research strongly linked to practice. The journal has its own website: www.cprjournal.com. The aim of this site is to further develop links between counselling and psychotherapy research and practice by offering accessible information about both the specific contents of each issue of CPR, as well as wider developments in counselling and psychotherapy research. The aims are to ensure that research remains relevant to practice, and for practice to continue to inform research development.