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 difficulty of defining 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).