Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
09:52
How to Find Effects of Stimulus Processing on Event Related Brain Potentials of Close Others when Hyperscanning Partners
Published on: May 31, 2018
Consensus and relationship distress before and after a brief couples' intervention
Lucia M Reyes1, Katherine A Lenger2, Amy Rauer1
1Department of Child and Family Studies.
Summary
Relationship interventions benefit from understanding partner agreement. Greater consensus on relationship concerns predicts lower distress, but lower consensus may lead to greater improvement in couple distress after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Relationship Science
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Partner perceptions influence relationship distress and treatment outcomes.
- Consensus on pretreatment relationship concerns is linked to better treatment outcomes.
- The role of general consensus (e.g., on strengths) versus specific concern consensus is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how couples' consensus on relationship strengths and concerns relates to distress and satisfaction.
- To replicate and extend previous findings on consensus and relationship outcomes.
- To assess outcomes after the Relationship Checkup intervention.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 740 couples on relationship distress and satisfaction.
- Assessed consensus on relationship strengths and concerns.
- Analyzed data from pre- to postintervention.
Main Results:
- Higher initial consensus on relationship concerns predicted lower distress pre- and postintervention.
- Relationship satisfaction improved similarly regardless of concern consensus levels.
- Couples with lower initial concern consensus showed greater distress improvement.
Conclusions:
- Brief relationship interventions can reduce distress even with differing partner views.
- Consensus on concerns, not strengths, is associated with relationship distress.
- Findings inform couple education and therapy models.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Moment of a Couple: Problem Solving
The moment of couple is an essential concept in physics and engineering, used to calculate the rotational force, or torque, that is created when a couple —two equal and opposite forces—acts on an object.
The moment of a couple is found by multiplying the magnitude of one of the forces by the perpendicular distance between the line of action of the two forces. This creates a twisting force, which can be used to rotate an object. The moment of a couple is used to solve problems involving balanced...
The moment of a couple is found by multiplying the magnitude of one of the forces by the perpendicular distance between the line of action of the two forces. This creates a twisting force, which can be used to rotate an object. The moment of a couple is used to solve problems involving balanced...
01:26Couples Therapy
Couples therapy is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals in intimate relationships address conflicts, improve communication, and foster healthier dynamics. It is appropriate for couples at various stages, including those who are dating, married, or in long-term partnerships, and aims to support partners in navigating their unique relational challenges.
Core Principles and Techniques
Couples therapy often incorporates cognitive-behavioral principles to identify and modify negative...
Core Principles and Techniques
Couples therapy often incorporates cognitive-behavioral principles to identify and modify negative...
01:29Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects
Self-discrepancy theory explains how people compare their actual self to their ideal and ought selves and how mismatches between these self-guides can lead to emotional distress. Developed by E. Tory Higgins, the theory distinguishes among three components of self-concept: the actual self, the ideal self, and the ought self. These refer respectively to how individuals perceive themselves, how they aspire to be, and how they believe they are obligated to be. Emotional well-being, self-esteem,...
01:27Relationship Growth
Interpersonal relationships progress through stages, beginning with awareness and moving toward mutuality, where emotional connections deepen. While many relationships remain at moderate levels of mutuality, deeper connections form through self-disclosure, trust, and interdependence.Self-DisclosureSelf-disclosure involves revealing personal information, starting with surface-level details and gradually progressing to more intimate content. As trust grows, individuals feel more comfortable...
01:29Close Relationships and Culture
Culture shapes how people approach attraction, choose partners, and build long-term relationships. While some preferences in mate selection appear consistent across cultures, such as men valuing physical attractiveness and women emphasizing financial resources, cultural contexts influence how these preferences are expressed and prioritized. Marriage extends beyond romantic ideals in many societies and is deeply embedded in social, economic, and religious frameworks.The Role of Culture in Mate...
01:28Ending Relationships
The dissolution of intimate relationships presents complex emotional and psychological challenges, particularly when emotional bonds are strong, the relationship is long-standing, and perceived alternatives are limited. This distress often intensifies in romantic breakups, where the initiator may experience greater turmoil than the rejected partner. Contributing factors include residual attachment, guilt over causing pain, and uncertainty about how to manage the situation. The stress is further...