This work is the result of a prolonged effort to develop a practical tool for systematic research into central patterns of relationships. Luborsky's method for summarizing the relationships described in narratives results in what he calls the Core Conflictual Relationship Theme (CCRT) for a given individual.

After an introduction, Part One outlines the CCRT scoring methods, making the actual instrument more understandable; and a sample of narratives and the actual classifications are provided. This makes it possible for the reader to study the actual instrument and procedures, and to examine their reliability. Parts Two and Three are entitled “Explorations and Clinical Applications.” Uses of the CCRT under varied circumstances are described clearly. Some of the findings represent aspects discussed in earlier publications, but now more completely studied. Then follows a scholarly review of seventeen alternative measures of central relationship