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Session Rating Scale
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About Session Rating Scale
Scale Name
Session Rating Scale
Author Details
Barry L. Duncan, Scott D. Miller, Jacqueline A. Sparks, David A. Claud, Lisa R. Reynolds, Jeb Brown, and Lynn D. Johnson
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Session Rating Scale (SRS), developed by Duncan et al. (2003), is a 4-item self-report visual analog scale designed to measure the therapeutic alliance in adults and adolescents (13+ years) based on Bordin’s (1979) concept of alliance and Duncan and Miller’s (2000) client theory of change. Published in the Journal of Brief Therapy, the SRS assesses four domains: Therapeutic Bond (relationship with therapist), Goals (agreement on therapy goals), Method (suitability of therapeutic approach), and General Impression (overall session quality). Each item is rated by placing a mark on a 10-cm line (0 = low, 10 = high), making it a brief tool for evaluating the working alliance at the end of therapy sessions.
Scores are measured with a ruler (in millimeters, converted to a 0–10 scale per item), summed for a total score ranging from 0–40, with higher scores indicating stronger alliance. The SRS was validated with 435 clinical clients (mean age ≈ 30–50 years, mixed gender, U.S.-based). Normative data indicate a reliable clinical cutoff of 36, with scores ≤36 suggesting risk of negative therapy outcomes or dropout. The SRS correlates with the Helping Alliance Questionnaire-II (r ≈ 0.48) and therapy outcome measures like the Outcome Rating Scale (r ≈ 0.29). It is used in clinical psychology, counseling, and research to monitor the therapeutic alliance, identify potential ruptures, and enhance therapy effectiveness.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the scale from Duncan et al. (2003) or authorized sources (e.g., Journal of Brief Therapy, International Center for Clinical Excellence), ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (adults or adolescents 13+ in therapy) that the scale assesses their experience of the therapy session, emphasizing confidentiality and honest feedback to improve treatment.
- Administer the 4-item scale at the end of each therapy session, using paper or digital formats, with instructions to mark a 10-cm line for each domain based on the session experience.
- Score by measuring each mark in millimeters (0–10 cm = 0–10 points), summing for a total score (0–40).
- Estimated completion time is 1–2 minutes.
- Ensure a private, supportive environment; encourage open discussion if scores are unusually high (e.g., to avoid social desirability bias); provide mental health resources (e.g., crisis hotlines) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The SRS demonstrates strong psychometric properties for a brief scale (Duncan et al., 2003; Campbell & Hemsley, 2009). Internal consistency is high (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.88–0.96) across clinical samples (N = 435). Test-retest reliability is not explicitly reported but inferred as moderate (r ≈ 0.60–0.80 over 1 week) from similar alliance measures. Convergent validity is supported by correlations with the Helping Alliance Questionnaire-II (r ≈ 0.48) and Outcome Rating Scale (r ≈ 0.29).
Criterion validity is evidenced by its ability to predict therapy dropout or poor outcomes (scores ≤36) and sensitivity to alliance changes. Discriminant validity is shown by weak correlations with unrelated constructs (e.g., general intelligence, r < 0.20). The scale’s unidimensional focus on therapeutic alliance supports construct validity. Pairing with measures like the Outcome Rating Scale or Outcome Questionnaire-45 enhances comprehensive therapy evaluation.
Available Versions
4-Items
Reference
Duncan, B. L., Miller, S. D., Sparks, J. A., Claud, D. A., Reynolds, L. R., Brown, J., & Johnson, L. D. (2003). The Session Rating Scale: Preliminary psychometric properties of a “working” alliance measure. Journal of brief Therapy, 3(1), 3-12.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Session Rating Scale measure?
It measures the therapeutic alliance, including bond, goals, method, and overall session quality.
Who is the target population?
Adults and adolescents (13+) in psychotherapy.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 1–2 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it identifies alliance issues to improve therapy outcomes, with a cutoff score of 36.
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