The therapeutic relationship is of paramount importance for the success of psychotherapy (Horvath et al., 2011). It is specifically employed as an effective factor in many forms of therapy through specific techniques; for example, in CBASP (Schamong et al., 2017) or DBT (Linehan, 1996). Individual aspects of the therapeutic relationship have already been investigated in numerous empirical studies (Doran, 2016); however, it has not yet been systematically varied experimentally. This research project therefore explores the feasibility of experimental relationship design (specific variation of relationship styles) and the influence of various variables, such as the perception of the therapeutic alliance and relationship quality depending on the therapeutic relationship style, expectations, perceived symptom burden, personality factors, and interpersonal problems.

The aim is to generate initial findings that can form the basis for further research questions (e.g., the influence of expectation frustration). In the long term, the research aims to contribute to the development of criteria for an optimal, individualized therapeutic relationship style (What works for whom?). The project also has significant current relevance to health policy with regard to the introduction of psychotherapeutic consultations and the question of relationship building.