Abstract
Expectancy effects, the process by which expectations become self-fulfilling prophecies, have been found in a variety of research
settings and are generally powerful predictors of outcomes. Although a significant body of literature exists addressing the
role of expectations on outcomes in individual therapy, little is known about the role of expectations in couple therapy.
Further, little is known about the mechanisms by which expectations become self-fulfilling prophecies in complex interpersonal
settings such as psychotherapy. This manuscript offers a comprehensive review of the extant literature about expectations
in individual psychotherapy, a review of preliminary evidence of the presence of expectations in couple therapy, and suggestions
for future research.
settings and are generally powerful predictors of outcomes. Although a significant body of literature exists addressing the
role of expectations on outcomes in individual therapy, little is known about the role of expectations in couple therapy.
Further, little is known about the mechanisms by which expectations become self-fulfilling prophecies in complex interpersonal
settings such as psychotherapy. This manuscript offers a comprehensive review of the extant literature about expectations
in individual psychotherapy, a review of preliminary evidence of the presence of expectations in couple therapy, and suggestions
for future research.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-14
- DOI 10.1007/s10591-012-9201-y
- Authors
- Rachel B. Tambling, Department Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Journal Contemporary Family Therapy
- Online ISSN 1573-3335
- Print ISSN 0892-2764