Measuring Fidelity in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT): A Pilot Test of the EFT Therapist Fidelity Scale

Keywords

Fidelity, couples therapy, EFT

Abstract

Data was drawn from 15 sessions of couple's therapy where clinicians attempted to apply the EFT model. Results provide initial support for the Emotionally Focused Therapy —Therapist Fidelity Scale (EFT-TFS) as a reliable and useful measure of fidelity. In addition, results suggest the measure can discriminate effectively (95% correct classification) between low and high fidelity EFT. The findings suggest that certain in-session therapist behaviors (maintaining session focus on attachment and emotion) may be more predictive of high fidelity EFT. Implications regarding the EFT-TFS as a training and practice tool, as well as direction for future research, are discussed.

Original Publication Citation

Sandberg, J.G., Brown, A.P., Schade, L.C., Novak, J.R., Denton, W.H., & Holt-Lunstad, J. (2015). Measuring fidelity in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT): A pilot test of the EFT Therapist Fidelity Scale. American Journal of Family Therapy, 43, 251-268.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2015-05-15

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5260

Publisher

The American Journal of Family Therapy

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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