Presentation: A social identity analysis of working alliance

Abstract: The working alliance between therapist and client is a necessary component of therapy success. The working alliance is robustly linked to desirable therapy outcomes. In saying this, conceptualisation of the working alliance construct is widely recognised as lacking. Weak conceptualisation is problematic because the working alliance (and its benefits) thus cannot reliably be harnessed in practice. In this thesis, I propose a new social identity model of working alliance. Across 5 studies, evidence for the role of key social psychological/group-based phenomena – including social identification, identity leadership, and the procedural justice of voice – is presented to support a cohesive, theory-grounded account of working alliance, applicable in multiple help-centric settings (i.e., therapeutic, organisational). Firstly, two initial experiments replicate both the voice effect and working alliance, demonstrating that each of these constructs are operative in therapeutic and organisational settings. Secondly, one experiment utilising a clinical sample of people both employed and in therapy for diagnosed mental illness provides evidence for a social identity model of working alliance in a novel path analysis. In this model, group-based processes significantly account for the majority of variance in working alliance, and the working alliance mediates the relationship between group-based processes and downstream well-being. Thirdly, one in-person laboratory experiment replicates the social identity model of working alliance, in addition to evidencing the added boundary condition of listening quality (i.e., active listening). Finally, one experiment utilises a therapy simulation to test operationalisations of: (1) identity leadership, and (2) voice provision, as theory-driven strategies for enhancing working alliance. The current thesis has conceptual and practical implications for social psychology and clinical psychology. Overall, the current research program presents a strong case for a social identity model of working alliance and, in doing so, also provides an implementable roadmap and associated tools for those seeking to cultivate working alliance.

Presenter: Georgina is a final-year Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology) candidate at the Australian National University (ANU). She also holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) with first-class Honours. Between 2019-2023, Georgina was a supervisor and accredited crisis supporter with Lifeline, Australia’s leading suicide prevention service. Her current academic research focuses on the social-psychological determinants of mental health in therapeutic and organisational environments. She has previously published in the areas of well-being, prejudice and stigma in healthcare, social influence, and leadership.