William J. Doherty, Steven M. Harris, Kadija Mussa
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
We examined the prevalence of relationship undermining statements by therapists treating couples, as reported by clients, and the association of these statements with outcomes. Participants (n = 270) reported on recollections of their therapist saying that they were incompatible, that therapist could not help them, that the relationship was beyond repair, that divorce was the best or most realistic option, or told one of partners that the other had a personality problem, or proposed individual therapy instead ofcouple therapy. Findings showed a prevalence rate of 10-28% across these fiveundermining statements; 40% of clients reported at least one statement. Undermining statements were associated with poorer outcomes and shorter duration of coupletherapy. We suggest that some therapists treating couples lack a systemic/relationship framework and set of skills, which leads them to become frustrated and pessimisticwith difficult couple cases. We offer implications for the training of couple therapists.
期刊介绍：
Contemporary Family Therapy: An International Journal (COFT) is is a quarterly, peer-reviewed publication that presents the latest developments in research, practice, theory, and training in couple and family therapy. COFT publishes applied and basic research with implications for systemic theory, treatment, and policy. COFT appreciates a multidisciplinary approach, and welcomes manuscripts which address processes and outcomes in systemic treatment across modalities and within broader social contexts. The journal’s content is relevant to systemic therapy practitioners and researchers, as well as marriage and family therapists, family psychologists, clinical social workers, and social policy specialists.
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