{"value"=>"<p> <span class=\"title\">A Pilot Study on the Relationship Between Therapist Empathy and Patient's Psychosocial Stages</span></p> <p>The empathy of dance therapy interns was investigated in relation to their patients' age spans. The age ranges of patients were equated with Erikson's psychosocial stages. Empathy, how it is used in dance therapy, and how it can be measured in accordance with developmental stages, were reviewed in the literature. The subjects were ten female dance therapy students between the ages of 25 and 29 who led dance therapy groups. Each intern completed three identical semantic differentials which measured ratings of empathy based on the opposing issues in clients' psychosocial stage. Each form was filled out at three different times: 1) 72 hrs. before leading group, 2) immediately after leading group, and 3) 72 hrs. after leading group. Analysis of the data revealed that subjects with the highest empathy scores worked in day treatment programs with adult and geriatric patients, led large size groups, and did not engage in personal analysis or other mind/body techniques. Those with the lowest empathy scores were found to work at inpatient hospitals, led small groups, and received personal therapy. Due to the small subject sample, statistical tests could not be conducted. The finding do not confirm the position that dance therapists empathize with their patients' psychosocial issues.</p>"}