The field of couples and family therapy is guided by diverse theories that attempt to explain change processes in couples. Each of these theories has been criticized in the literature for various inadequacies that render the theory incomplete. The research question that guided this study was "What, if anything, is influential in the process of change in couples' relationships?" The key to answering this question lies in a qualitative research process that is not dominated by any particular theoretical paradigm. / The qualitative method used in this study is a grounded theory approach that attempts to eliminate any theoretical assumptions in collecting data. Twenty-six couple members were interviewed regarding their separate views of how change occurred in therapy. The results of these interviews were used to construct a theory of change processes in couples. / A core or organizing category of "the open mind" was found to be a major factor in precipitating change in couple relationships. Three important characteristics of an open mind are emotional control, a willingness to open up and an ability to understand the other person. It was found that both couple members are required to be open minded before change can take place in the relationship. The key factor in creating open minds in couples was their understanding that the relationship could end if change did not take place. Once couple members became open minded they were open to guidance from the therapist in learning to solve problems. Clinical implications of these ideas are discussed. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 55-08, Section: A, page: 2590. / Major Professor: Thomas E. Smith. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1994.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_77206 |
| Contributors | Huss, Gary Philip., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 301 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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