Interação diádica em processo terapia de casal

Abstract

Adopting attachment theory as a conceptual framework which identifies key dimensions to dyadic functioning, the present study aims to contribute to the acknowledgment of the relevance of dyadic interaction evaluation in couple therapy. Using a singular case study methodology, this work aimed to evaluate and describe the dyadic interaction of a heterosexual couple that started the psychotherapeutic process indicating communication as the main problematic area of their relationship. The dyadic interaction was assessed from the visualization of video records of all the sessions in the psychotherapeutic process, by two independent judges and based on criteria established by the Couple Interaction Task - CIT. The results showed that the couple's communication problems were closely related to the difficulties that both members of the dyad evidenced at the level of general and specific attachment behaviors. In the discussion of the results of this study, it was also presented the clinical relevance of assessing dyadic interaction in the therapeutic setting, more specifically in relation to the implementation of a psychotherapeutic intervention based in dyadic interaction. Finally, based on the main limitations of this study, some suggestions are presented for future research in this area, mainly related with variables associated to the dyad, the therapists and the psychotherapeutic process.

Date of Award	7 Jul 2013
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Vânia Sousa Lima (Supervisor)