Abstract
Purpose
This scoping review provides an overview of empirical studies investigating therapeutic relationships between speech-language pathologists (SLPs), clients, and caregivers across all ages and clinical areas, and identifies areas of future research.
Method
The Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) scoping review method was employed. Systematic searches were conducted across seven databases and four grey literature databases. Research published in English and German until 3 August 2020 was included. Data were extracted for the primary aim, terminology and theoretical foundations, research design, and focus. Central findings concerning the input-, process-, outcome-, and output-level of speech-language pathology were categorised.
Result
Of 5479 articles, 44 articles were included in the analysis. Psychotherapy was the leading discipline for the theoretical foundation and measurement of relationship quality. Most findings focused on therapeutic attitudes, qualities, and relational actions to build the basis of a positive therapeutic relationship. A small number of studies indicated connections between clinical outcomes and the quality of the relationships.
Conclusion
Future research needs to address precision of terminology, expansion of qualitative and quantitative research methods, development and psychometric examination of measuring instruments specific to SLPs and the development and evaluation of concepts to support professional relationship building in speech-language pathology training and everyday work.
Declaration of interest
The authors report no declarations of interest.
Supplementary material
Supplemental data for this article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2023.2197182.