Brief Description
The Agnew Relationship Measure-5 (ARM-5) is a brief self-report tool designed to assess the strength of the therapeutic alliance between a client and their therapist. It focuses on the relationship's quality, a critical indicator in predicting treatment success. The ARM-5 includes five questions that evaluate aspects such as the emotional bond between the therapist and client, the level of agreement on therapy goals and tasks, and the client’s confidence in both the treatment and the therapist (e.g., “I have confidence in my therapist and their techniques”). The tool is typically used towards the end of therapy sessions and at regular intervals. It is especially useful in Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT), where tracking the therapeutic alliance helps ensure ongoing client engagement and the identification of potential ruptures in the relationship.
Assessment Administration Type
Self-report
Number of questions
5
Age Range for Administration
18+
Recommended Frequency of Administration
Weekly
Summary of Scoring and Interpretations
Responses are provided on a 7-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 ("Strongly disagree") to 7 ("Strongly agree"). Item 3 is reverse-scored. To calculate the total raw score, sum the responses for each item. Total scores range from 5 to 35. The total mean score can also be calculated by finding the average response across the five items and ranges from 1 to 7. Mean scores can also be obtained for subscales by finding the average response for items identified within a subscale using the following table:
Subscale | Item number |
Bond | 1 |
Partnership | 2, 3 |
Confidence | 4, 5 |
For both the mean score and total raw score, higher scores indicate a stronger therapeutic alliance. The ARM-5 can help clinicians identify any weaknesses in the therapeutic relationship and guide adjustments to improve therapy outcomes.
Blueprint Adjustments
Blueprint provides the mean score for the total score and subscale scores.
Clinical Considerations
Estimated time for completion: 1-2 minutes
Although the measure includes three subscales—Bond, Partnership, and Confidence—research suggests that these subscales are not significantly distinct from one another, and clinicians are encouraged to rely on the overall alliance score for the most accurate assessment.
Citation
Relevant Articles + Further Resources
See linked citation for article describing the ARM-5.
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