Unraveling Change in Therapy: Three Different Process Research Methodologies

Keywords

couple and family therapy, methodology

Abstract

In response to repeated calls for process research on couple and family therapy, three different process research methodologies - grounded theory, change events analysis, and experimental manipulation - are presented and evaluated. A process research conceptual framework outlining some of the important issues in process research is presented. To illustrate each methodology, three completed process studies are briefly described, and a sample of results is provided. The strengths and weaknesses of each methodology are discussed, along with their role in generating and testing clinically relevant change theories. It is argued that each of these methodologies can provide researchers with important tools for unraveling the processes of change in couple and family therapy and should be used more frequently.

Original Publication Citation

Woolley, S. R., Butler, M. H., & Wampler, K. S. (2000). Unraveling change in therapy: Three different process research methodologies. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 28(4), 311-327.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2000

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7248

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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