The positive psychology of relational depth and its association with unconditional positive self-regard and authenticity

Abstract

ABSTRACT Relational depth (RD) refers to moments in a therapeutic relationship in which a person has feelings of aliveness, satisfaction and immersion. However, no research has yet tested for the association between RD and concepts closely aligned with Carl Rogers’ hypothesis of how people change in a growth-promoting relationship. In this study, 55 therapy clients completed the relational depth inventory (RDI), the unconditional positive self-regard scale (UPSR) and the authenticity scale (AS). It was found that higher scores on the RDI were associated with higher scores on the UPSR and the AS. These results provide initial evidence for the growth-promoting effects of RD. Further prospective research is now warranted.