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Evidence-based approaches to assessing couple distress
Douglas K Snyder1, Richard E Heyman, Stephen N Haynes
1Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4235, USA. d-snyder@tamu.edu
Psychological Assessment
|November 3, 2005
Summary
This study presents a framework for assessing couple distress by examining individual and relationship factors. It proposes evidence-based strategies for clinical inquiry and intervention to improve relationship functioning.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Couple distress is linked to various individual and relationship characteristics.
- These factors can initiate, worsen, or stem from relationship problems.
- Existing assessment methods may not fully capture the complexity of couple distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a conceptual framework for couple-based assessment strategies.
- To identify specific targets for clinical inquiry in couple distress.
- To outline empirically supported assessment techniques for relationship functioning.
Main Methods:
- Review of empirical findings on couple distress.
- Development of a conceptual framework integrating individual and relationship factors.
- Proposal of assessment strategies including clinical interviews, behavioral observation, and self/other-report measures.
Main Results:
- A framework linking couple distress to individual and relationship characteristics is established.
- Specific targets for clinical assessment (behaviors, cognitions, affect, individual distress) are identified.
- Empirically supported assessment strategies across diverse methods are proposed.
Conclusions:
- The proposed framework guides comprehensive assessment of couple distress.
- Recommendations for clinical practice and future research in couple assessment are provided.
- Emphasizes the importance of assessing relationship functioning holistically.