Examining conceptualizations underlying evidence-based couples therapies: Associations of frequency and acceptance of partner behaviours and attachment with relationship functioning

Several evidence-based couple therapies are available for reducing relational discord. Among these are Traditional Behavioural Couple Therapy (TBCT), Integrative Behavioural Couple Therapy (IBCT) and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT), each propagating a different treatment focus. TBCT aims to increase the frequency ratio of positive to negative partner behaviour, IBCT aims to enhance acceptance of partner behaviour and EFCT aims to make the underlying attachment bond more secure. To date, the explanatory power of the theoretical accounts underlying these therapies has never been directly compared. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional examination of the variances explained of relationship satisfaction and instability, by frequency and acceptance of partner behaviour and attachment, using Actor-Partner Interdependence Modelling in a convenience sample of 539 heterosexual couples. We found that all three conceptualizations were associated with relationship functioning. Acceptance and attachment explained the largest proportions of variance in satisfaction, whereas attachment explained the greatest portion of instability.