Measuring the Real Relationship in Psychotherapy: Initial Validation of the Therapist Form

The development and initial validation of a therapist-rated measure of the real relationship in psychotherapy (the Real Relationship Inventory-Therapist Form [RRI-T]) is reported. Using a sample ( n = 80) of practicing psychotherapists and on the basis of prior theory, the authors developed a 24-item measure consisting of 2 subscales (Realism and Genuineness) and a total score. This 24-item version and other measures used for validation were completed by 79 additional practicing therapists and 51 counseling graduate students ( n = 130). The RRI-T was found to have high reliability and sound initial validity. As theorized, the RRI-T correlated significantly with measures of working alliance, session outcome (depth and smoothness), client intellectual and emotional insight, and client negative transference. Discriminant validity was supported by a nonsignificant relation to social desirability.