ABSTRACT

Whilst encounters in psychology are typically experienced relationally, qualitative dyadic research in psychology is relatively rare. This study used qualitative dyadic research to understand psychological therapy assessments, exploring how experiences are actively created through situated, relational encounters. Seven dyads participated in qualitative semi-structured interviews, predominantly from services for trauma survivors. Thematic dyadic analysis explored a third space, distinct from the experiential knowledge of individuals. We found that clients and assessors balance closeness and distance through enacting aspects of their identities impacting on connection, safety, trust and disclosures. Whilst assessors and clients come together as strangers, human beings, experts, collaborators and, at times, survivors, the key determining factor shaping the encounter is how successfully assessors communicate their humanity. We conclude that dyadic qualitative inquiry is a feasible and rich method for understanding the relational in psychological healthcare encounters.

摘要

虽然心理学中的相遇通常是相关的，但心理学中的定性二元研究相对较少。本研究使用定性二元研究来理解心理治疗评估，探索如何通过情境、关系的遭遇积极创造体验。七人参加了定性的半结构化访谈，主要来自为创伤幸存者提供的服务。主题二元分析探索了第三个空间，不同于个人的经验知识。我们发现，客户和评估员通过制定影响联系、安全、信任和披露的身份方面来平衡亲近和距离。虽然评估员和客户作为陌生人聚集在一起，但人类、专家、合作者，有时甚至是幸存者，影响相遇的关键决定因素是评估者如何成功地传达他们的人性。我们得出结论，二元定性调查是理解心理保健遭遇关系的一种可行且丰富的方法。