Couple Therapy: Does it Improve Individual and Relational Well-Being in Couples Experiencing Mild to Moderate Aggression?

Abstract

The present study examined effects of couple therapy in improving partners' emotional comfort regarding couple conflict-resolution communication and trust in each other, within a sample of 55 couples that experiencing psychological aggression and mild to moderate physical aggression in their relationships. This secondary analysis was conducted on previously collected data from a treatment outcome study that already had shown evidence that the couple therapy had reduced aggressive behavior and increased partners' relationship satisfaction. Paired t-tests comparing pre- to post-therapy indicated that women improved on all measures of well-being; men improved on measures of trust and positive mood, but not in state anxiety. Women's changes in positive mood and anxiety, but not their level of trust, were associated with some changes in their partner's level of physical and psychological aggression. Men's changes in all three measures of well-being were associated with changes in their partner's level of physical and psychological aggression.