A Process-Oriented Analysis of the Three-Phase Method: A Therapeutic Couple Intervention Strengthening Dyadic Coping

ABSTRACTThe efficacy of couple interventions is well established; however, the mechanisms behind their efficacy in reducing relationship distress are less clear. This study examined the three-phase method, a therapeutic interaction exercise designed to strengthen couples' dyadic coping skills in the face of stress. Based on a sample of 33 heterosexual couples, results revealed that deepening speakers' emotional experience positively predicted listeners' affective empathy. The quality of listeners' paraphrasing predicted higher cognitive empathy in males, and listeners' cognitive empathy positively predicted speakers' perceived emotional supportive dyadic coping. Implications for tailoring specific couple interventions in therapy for couples coping with stress are discussed.