Brief Description

The Therapist–Patient Relationship Scales with Schizophrenic Patients are self-administered, easy-to-use tools that require minimal time to complete and score. The Greek version is used to evaluate the therapeutic relationship based on the subjective emotional experience of both parties. It includes two separate 30-item scales: one for the therapist and one for the patient. The patient scale assesses the relationship across four factors: (1) rejection–incompetence, (2) therapist providing appropriate stimulation, (3) overinclusive–demanding therapist, and (4) distant and unclear therapist. The therapist scale reflects the therapist’s perception of the therapeutic relationship and its dynamics.

Purpose

The purpose of developing and applying the TPSS is to explore communication patterns and emotional engagement in the therapeutic relationship between therapists and patients diagnosed with psychotic disorders, specifically schizophrenia. It also aims to capture differences and similarities in the perception of the relationship from both perspectives and to identify factors influencing therapeutic outcomes.

Scoring Method

Each scale contains 30 items rated on a five-point Likert scale, from 1 to 5, depending on the degree of agreement with each statement. Scores for each factor are calculated by summing the relevant items. Interpretation is based on mean comparisons across factors and on the overall emotional evaluation of the therapeutic relationship.

Validity

The scales demonstrate satisfactory internal consistency, solid theoretical grounding, and adequate construct validity. Criterion validity is supported by correlations with other measures of therapeutic relationship quality and by the tool’s ability to distinguish between groups with different levels of functioning.

Reliability

The Greek version of the scales showed acceptable reliability indices. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.53 for the Therapist Version and 0.74 for the Patient Version. These results are considered satisfactory, especially for the patient scale, and align with the original validation study of the instrument.

Data Analysis and Usage

Data from the two scales can be used to analyze subgroup differences, explore the relationship between therapeutic alliance and treatment outcomes, and qualitatively assess collaboration and communication between therapist and patient. The tool is suitable for use in clinical settings, research protocols, and educational contexts, particularly in diagnostic and evaluative work within psychiatric institutions.

Key References

Zagantzoudi, K. A. (2000). Psychotherapeutic processes in psychoses: The genesis of delusional ideas in the remission phase of paranoid-type and schizoaffective disorder. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Department of Psychology, University of Crete.
Zagantzoudi, K. A., & Neotopos, I. N. (1997). Therapist–Patient Relationship Scales with Schizophrenic Patients: Therapist and Patient Versions. Greek translation and adaptation of TPSS by Stark (1992). Rethymno: Laboratory of Clinical & Social Psychology, University of Crete.
Stark, M. F. (1993). The development of the Therapist–Patient Relationship Scales with Schizophrenic Patients. Psychotherapy Research, 3, 150–151.
Zagantzoudi, K. A., & Nestoros, J. N. (1999). The Greek Version of the Therapist–Patient Relationship Scales with Schizophrenic Patients. Paper presented at the 5th European Conference on Psychological Assessment, University of Patras.