Does the therapeutic style differ in age-homogeneous and age-heterogeneous therapeutic dyads?
Background and aims: Differences between age-homogeneous and age-heterogeneous therapeutic dyads have rarely been the subject of research.The present study aimed to investigate differences in therapeutic style (Healing and Stressful Involvement).
Method: A sample of 527 questionnaires completed by therapists of different ages was available. Therapy style was compared between two patient groups (under 40 and over 65 years old) and three therapist groups (25-39, 40-59, ≥ 60).
Results: The results show in particular more stress experienced by younger therapists in the treatment of older patients, while older therapists report less stress.There were no or fewer differences in the treatment of younger patients.The regression-analytical results show that the experience of stress in the therapy of older people is associated with a greater fear of old age.
Conclusion: Finally, some conclusions are discussed with regard to training and supervision of therapists in the treatment of older people.
Keywords: psychotherapists - therapy style - age-homogeneous and age-heterogeneous relationships.