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Changes in negative attributions during couple therapy for abusive behavior: relations to changes in satisfaction and
Katie M Hrapczynski1, Norman B Epstein, Carol A Werlinich
1University of Maryland, Department of Family Science, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA.
Journal of Marital and Family Therapy
|July 7, 2012
Summary
Cognitive-behavioral couple therapy and systems-oriented therapy reduced negative attributions in couples. Decreased negative attributions improved relationship satisfaction and communication, highlighting their importance in abuse intervention.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Family Therapy
Background:
- Negative attributions are common in couples experiencing abuse.
- Understanding the impact of attributional changes on relationship functioning is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effects of cognitive-behavioral couple therapy (CBCT) and systems-oriented couple therapy (SOCT) on negative attributions.
- To assess the association between reduced negative attributions and improvements in relationship satisfaction, communication, and negotiation.
- To evaluate the impact of these therapies on psychological and mild-to-moderate physical abuse.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 25 couples in CBCT and 30 couples in SOCT.
- 10 weekly sessions of therapy for couples seeking treatment at a university clinic.
- Pre- and post-treatment assessments of attributions, relationship satisfaction, psychological abuse, communication, and negotiation.
Main Results:
- Both CBCT and SOCT led to significant decreases in negative attributions for both men and women.
- Reduced negative attributions were associated with increased relationship satisfaction.
- Decreased negative attributions correlated with reduced negative communication and increased positive communication (especially for men).
Conclusions:
- Modifying negative attributions is a key mechanism for improving relationship functioning in couples experiencing abuse.
- Both cognitive-behavioral and systems-oriented couple therapies are effective in reducing negative attributions.
- Therapeutic interventions targeting attributions can lead to positive changes in relationship satisfaction and communication patterns.
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