Linguistic markers of team-based working alliance and personality pathology in an inpatient psychiatric sample

Language can be an illuminating representation of psychological processes. Using language to enhance the treatment alliance and subsequent interventions for those with personality pathology, particularly in inpatient settings, may facilitate more personalized care. The aim of this study was to explore associations between inpatient working alliance, personality pathology, and linguistic expressions from a sentence completion task administered near hospital admission. Several statistically significant associations emerged between linguistic style(s) and inpatient working alliance at admission and discharge. A classification of personality disorder differentiated linguistic styles consistent with theoretical and clinical advancements in the treatment of personality pathology. For example, inpatients who met criteria for at least one personality disorder used linguistic tools that signify poor mentalizing and/or double bind communications. Limitations and future directions are offered in consideration of this research’s novelty.