Abstract

Enactments consist of episodes of direct couple engagement being carefully monitored and coached by the therapist. Enactments have been identified and studied as a potential common factor in marriage and family therapy. Attachment security is considered to be a foundational marker of marital health. This study explored what role enactments play in promoting attachment-related outcomes in therapy. A qualitative group hermeneutic approach was used to analyze the interviews of twelve participants (six couples) who had participated in six experimental sessions: three sessions with a preponderance of therapist-centered process and three of enactment-based process. The results of this analysis provide a general profile of participants' experiences of these two approaches in therapy and contribute to an emerging framework to inform potential best practice of enactments for helping couples work towards more secure attachment. Major findings include the importance of therapeutic alliance and sequencing of interventions for promoting positive attachment-related outcomes.

Degree

MS

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life; Marriage and Family Therapy

Rights

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2013-06-10

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd6240

Keywords

enactments, attachment, conjoint, marital therapy, clinical process

Language

English

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