Synchrony and Reciprocity of Body Movements and Prosody Between Psychotherapist and Patient (RECiPROsody)

Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Relationship, Professional Patient

Treatments: Other: Psychotherapy - Gestalt psychotherapy

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06463951

CNR-IRIB-PRO-2024-006

Details and patient eligibility

About

Modern psychotherapy focuses on co-regulation, where therapist and patient interactively manage emotions. This co-regulation is seen in nonverbal communication like facial expressions, gestures, and prosody (vocal pitchs). Studies show body movements and even skin conductance synchronize between patients and therapists during sessions.

The RECiPROsody project builds on this by using technology (cameras, sensors) to record and analyze these synchronies in psychotherapy sessions. This project aims to understand how this "attunement" between therapist and patient contributes to successful therapy.

Researchers will explore how patients and therapists interact using a mobile app that records video, audio, physiological signals (heart rate), and movements. Questionnaires will assess patient well-being and therapist experience.

By studying these micro-processes, RECiPROsody hopes to gain insights into how the therapeutic relationship develops, including the connections between physical reactions, nonverbal communication, and overall progress. This knowledge can improve psychotherapeutic techniques and highlight the importance of the nonverbal communication in therapy.

Enrollment: 30 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 20 to 60 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Male and female adults between the ages of 20 and 60 years old who are referred to the HCC Italy Clinical and Psychotherapy Research Center

Exclusion criteria

• Patients under 20 years of age
• Presence of paranoid or psychotic symptoms
• Admissions to psychiatric Operative Units that have occurred within the last year since the start of psychotherapy at the HCC Italy Clinical and Psychotherapy Research Center

Trial design

30 participants in 1 patient group

Subjects starting psychotherapy at the HCC Italy Clinical and Psychotherapy Research Center

Description:

The population that decides to undertake psychotherapy is diverse, including individuals of various ages, genders, socioeconomic backgrounds, and occupations. Motivations can vary widely, but often include management of mental disorders, relationship problems, stress, and personal growth. Despite existing barriers, a growing number of people are recognizing the importance of mental well-being and seeking professional support: increasing awareness and reduced stigma related to psychological symptoms are making psychotherapy an increasingly considered option for improving mental well-being and quality of life.

Treatment:

Other: Psychotherapy - Gestalt psychotherapy