This article describes a conceptual framework for couple-based assessment strategies grounded in empirical findings linking couple distress to a broad range of both individual and relationship characteristics. These characteristics can contribute to, exacerbate, or result from relationship problems. On the basis of these findings, the authors articulate specific targets of clinical inquiry reflecting relationship behaviors, cognitions, and affect as well as features of individual distress. Guided by this framework, empirically supported assessment strategies and techniques emphasizing relationship functioning across diverse methods are proposed, including the clinical interview, analog behavioral observation, and both self- and other-report measures. Discussion concludes with specific recommendations regarding clinical assessment of couple distress and directions for further research.

Evidence-based approaches to assessing couple distress.

Sarah Donovan Thesis submitted to the Faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE In Human Development Angela J. Huebner, Chairperson Edward Hendrickson Sandra M. Stith Committee Member Committee Member December 13, 2004 Falls Church, VA Keywords: intercultural, interethnic, bicultural, outmarriage, couples, marriage ' 2004 by Sarah Donovan ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Stress and Coping Techniques in Successful Intercultural Marriages

Intercultural couples - partners from two different countries - may face increased levels of stress within their relationship (internal stress). Although internal stress is negatively associated with relationship satisfaction, communication of such stress can help foster partners’ coping behaviors. Specifically, partners can engage in positive dyadic coping (DC) to help lower stress levels and improve relationship satisfaction. Despite the wealth of research on DC, examination of the associations of stress communication and DC in intercultural couples has been limited. To address this gap in the literature, this study used a sample of 73 self-identified heterosexual intercultural couples to examine their perceptions of internal stress, and associations between DC and relationship satisfaction. Cross-sectional survey data revealed negative main effects for both individuals’ own and their partner’s perceptions of internal stress on relationship satisfaction, and positive main effects for all forms of positive DC with relationship satisfaction. Stress communication by oneself moderated the association between partner’s perceived internal stress and one’s own relationship satisfaction, such that relationship satisfaction was higher when partners reported more engagement in stress communication at lower levels of internal stress. However, there were no significant main association between negative DC and relationship satisfaction, or significant moderations for any type of DC. Implications for relationship researchers and mental health professionals working with intercultural couples are discussed.

https://interpersona.psychopen.eu/index.php/interpersona/article/download/3561/pdf

Intercultural Couples’ Internal Stress, Relationship Satisfaction, and Dyadic Coping

The importance of preparing for marriage is apparent when one considers the consequences of marital distress and the high rate of divorce. Pre-marital inventories help couples’ prepare for marriage by identifying their personal risks and resilience profiles as well as other factors that may influence their marriage. Research demonstrates the benefits of pre-marital inventories; however, there is little research on their effectiveness for interracial couples. In this review challenges facing interracial couples are identified, the benefits of using eco-systems theory in the creation of pre-marital inventories are discussed, and suggestions on how pre-marital inventories can become more applicable to interracial couples are offered.

Strengthening Connections in Interracial Marriages Through Pre-Marital Inventories: A Critical Literature Review

The article explores a variety of marital counselling approaches relevant to African settings: indigenous, Western, Christian and Islamic. These approaches to marital counselling are influenced in their use by various social movements, including globalisation, women empowerment, sexual orientation and living with HIV/AIDS. There is potential to develop innovative approaches to marital therapy in the African context. These innovative approaches can build on the rich traditions of historical practices and the promises of the changing global socio-cultural milieu.

Marriage and Counselling in African Communities: Challenges and Counselling Approaches

Couple therapy across cultures

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Couple therapy across cultures