Dyadic Research in Couple Therapy: The Link between Attachment and Relationship Satisfaction

<p>Couple therapy ranks among the most frequently and diligently researched topics in Marital and Family therapy (MFT). Additionally, intimate partner relationships are a key focal point for clinical intervention with increasingly more couples seeking therapy to address relational conflict, repair emotional injury, and increase intimacy (Lebow, Chambers, Christensen, & Johnson 2012). Rigorous empirical inquiry has suggested that attachment theory is a crucial foundation to understanding relationship distress and increasing relationship satisfaction (Wiebe & Johnson, 2016). Secure attachment between intimate partners can lead to an increase in trust (Pistole, 1993), healthy emotion regulation (Kobak & Hazan, 1991), and positive conflict resolution strategies (Feeny, 1998), resulting in higher overall relationship satisfaction, quality, and stability (Kirkpatrick & Davis, 1994; Simpson, 1990). However, research on attachment as a foundational pillar to relationship satisfaction has been largely correlational and conceptual. Therefore, there is a need to understand the causal link between attachment and relationship satisfaction. Aim one of this dissertation will address this gap in the literature by using a sophisticated Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM; Kenny, Kashy, & Cook, 2006) cross-lagged design to determine the causal link between attachment and relationship satisfaction using data from linked dyads in the Marine Corps. This study uses a longitudinal design with data collection taking place at four time points. Aim two uses Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT; Johnson, 2004) as a case example to highlight the need for dyadic research in MFT to strengthen the body of research for evidence-based practice and to address the gap between research evidence and clinician application.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Marital and Family Therapy

Year

2017

Author dc:creator

• Greaves, Bryson

Contributors dc:contributor

• Distelberg, Brian J.
• Furrow, James L.
• Huenergardt, Douglas
• Moline, Mary M.

• Counseling
• Counseling Psychology
• Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Couples Therapy; Marital Therapy; Object Attachment
• Intimate Partner Relationships; Relational Conflict; Emotion Regulation; Conflict Resolution;

Statement dc:rights

• This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/486

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarsrepository.llu.edu:etd-1481