Intensifying attachment-related sadness and decreasing anger intensity among individuals suffering from unresolved anger: The role of relational reframe followed by empty-chair interventions

Tal Narkiss-Guez, Yael Enav Zichor, Jonathan Guez, Gary M. Diamond

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examined whether two therapy interventions – relational reframe followed by empty chair – were associated with increases in sadness intensity and decreases in anger intensity among a sample of 61 undergraduate students suffering from unresolved anger toward an attachment figure (e.g. parent, sibling, and past-romantic partner). Participants underwent a single analog therapy session comprised of three interventions delivered in sequence: empathic focus on their anger; relational reframe; and empty-chair enactment. Participants retrospectively reported on the intensity of their attachment-related anger and sadness during the session using an interpersonal process recall procedure. Results showed that over the course of the relational reframe and empty-chair intervention sequence, sadness intensity increased and anger intensity decreased. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)44-56
Number of pages13
JournalCounselling Psychology Quarterly
Volume28
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2 Jan 2015

Keywords

  • anger
  • attachment
  • empty chair
  • intensity
  • reframing
  • sadness

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Applied Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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