Typology of Couples Entering Alcohol Behavioral Couple Therapy: An Empirical Approach and Test of Predictive Validity on Treatment Response

This study aimed to examine whether classification of couples in which one partner has an alcohol problem is similar to that reported in the general couples literature. Typologies of couples seeking alcohol behavioral couple therapy (ABCT) were developed via hierarchical cluster analysis using behav...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of marital and family therapy 2016-01, Vol.42 (1), p.62-75
Main Authors: Ladd, Benjamin O., McCrady, Barbara S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol related problems
Alcohol use
Alcoholism
Alcoholism - therapy
Ambivalence
Behavior
Behavior modification
Classification
Clinical outcomes
Couples
Couples Therapy
Drinking
Drinking behavior
Ethnic Groups
Family Characteristics
Family Counseling
Female
Heterogeneity
Humans
Interpersonal Relationship
Male
Middle Aged
Multivariate Analysis
Observation
Outcomes of Treatment
Positive Reinforcement
Predictive validity
Researchers
Spouses - classification
Studies
Therapy
Treatment needs
Treatment Outcome
Validity
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Summary:This study aimed to examine whether classification of couples in which one partner has an alcohol problem is similar to that reported in the general couples literature. Typologies of couples seeking alcohol behavioral couple therapy (ABCT) were developed via hierarchical cluster analysis using behavioral codes of couple interactions during their first ABCT session. Four couples types based on in‐session behavior were established reliably, labeled avoider, validator, hostile, and ambivalent‐detached. These couple types resembled couples types found in previous research. Couple type was associated with baseline relationship satisfaction, but not alcohol use. Results suggest heterogeneity in couples with alcohol problems presenting to treatment; further study is needed to investigate the function of alcohol within these different types.
ISSN:0194-472X
1752-0606
DOI:10.1111/jmft.12121