Effects of coping-oriented couples therapy on depression: a randomized clinical trial.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of treating depression with coping-oriented couples therapy (COCT) as compared with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT; A. T. Beck, C. Ward, & M. Mendelson, 1961) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT; M. M. Weissman, J. C. Markowitz, & G. L. Klerman, 2000). Sixty couples, including 1 clinically depressed partner, completed pre- and posttest questionnaires as well as follow-up assessments at 6-month intervals over the subsequent 1.5 years. Effects of the 3 treatments on depressive symptomatology assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory (A. T. Beck, A. J. Rush, B. L. Shaw, & G. Emery, 1979) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (M. Hamilton, 1960); recovery rates; and relapse rates were examined. Additionally, changes in relationship quality were evaluated. Results suggest that the COCT is as effective in improving depressive symptomatology as are the well-established, evidenced-based CBT and IPT approaches. The COCT did not demonstrate a significantly better outcome with regard to self-reported relationship satisfaction or dyadic coping; however, it did produce significant improvements in partners' expressed emotion, changes that were not seen in other treatment conditions.
Bodenmann
Guy
G
Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. guy.bodenmann@psychologie.uzh.ch
Plancherel
Bernard
B
Beach
Steven R H
SR
Widmer
Kathrin
K
Gabriel
Barbara
B
Meuwly
Nathalie
N
Charvoz
Linda
L
Hautzinger
Martin
M
Schramm
Elisabeth
E
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019546:Couples Therapy; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires