| Abstract: | Explores the clinical utility of conceptualizing the intensity and direction of psychotherapists' interest in their patients in terms of the interdependent aspects of the patient–therapist relationship. An evolving interpretive framework is presented that takes into account the affective, cognitive, and motivational properties and the object-relational nature of interests. Focus is on the therapeutic possibilities and limitations of the hypothesis that the ebb and flow of a therapist's interest in a particular patient occurs in the context of a complex interaction in which both patient and therapist play important roles. The origins, meanings, and management of boredom in the therapeutic situation are given special consideration. A clinical vignette illustrates the interactional nature of boredom in the therapeutic situation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
