An Investigation of Couples’ Help-Seeking: A Multiple Case Study

Research of the effectiveness of couples counseling has demonstrated clear benefits (e.g.; Lebow et al. ( Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 38 (1):145–168, 2012)). However, relatively few couples initiate counseling and seek help. This exploratory study employed a qualitative multiple case stud...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Contemporary family therapy 2018-03, Vol.40 (1), p.110-117
Main Authors: Parnell, Kenneth J., Scheel, Michael J., Davis, Chelsi Klentz, Black, Whitney W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aggressiveness
Behavioral Science and Psychology
Blame
Case studies
Clinical Psychology
Conjoint therapy
Counseling
Couples
Couples therapy
Family
Family therapy
Fear & phobias
Help seeking behavior
Heterosexuality
Interpersonal factors
Original Paper
Psychological distress
Psychology
Psychotherapy
Social Work
Sociology
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Summary:Research of the effectiveness of couples counseling has demonstrated clear benefits (e.g.; Lebow et al. ( Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 38 (1):145–168, 2012)). However, relatively few couples initiate counseling and seek help. This exploratory study employed a qualitative multiple case study approach to heterosexual couples ( N  = 7) that were currently in the process of seeking conjoint therapy to identify intra and interpersonal factors that influence relational help-seeking. Participants reported that female partners were the first to perceive a problem and suggest seeking professional help. In turn, male partners reported feeling a sense of failure and fear of judgment when considering couples counseling. Patterns of blame, withdrawal, and aggression contributed to increased distress, which eventually led these couples to counseling, some with mixed-agendas for services.
ISSN:0892-2764
1573-3335
DOI:10.1007/s10591-017-9427-9