[Markers of the "fit" between therapist and patient as determinants of treatment outcome of inpatient group psychotherapy].

Abstract

Within a study concerning process and outcome of inpatient longterm group treatments the specific question was tested to what extent characteristics of the "fit" between the therapist and the patients were related to treatment outcome. The study shows that a concordance in the formulation of the treatment goals seems to be favorable for a positive outcome. Similarly, congruences between the therapeutic factors of the group treatment, subjectively important for the patients, and those factors classified as typical for the treatment concept by the therapists, were related to treatment success. The results can be discussed within the context of concepts of the therapeutic alliance and might help to operationalize those concepts in a more specific manner.