Although it remains under-researched, unconditional positive regard has been reconsidered and re-evaluated

In Wilkins (2003: 75), I report on the relative lack of research into the nature and function of unconditional positive regard (UPR). Watson and Sheckley (2001: 185) also comment on the paucity of research into UPR attributing it to `a number of factors, including the dif®culty of de®ning the construct, poor research tools, and an increased interest in the working alliance'. However, there are a number of `re-conceptualisations' and reconsiderations of the notion. These include explorations from a classic client-centred position and from the point of view of experiential psychotherapy and even philosophical and religious expositions (see, for example, Bozarth and Wilkins 2001).