Reshaping Couple Configurations that Get in the Way of Relationship Repair and Healing
Keywords
couple therapy, view of self in relation to other, ego position, self-concept, circumplex typology of couple configurations, couple conceptualizations, patterns of engagement, egalitarian balance
Abstract
In the context of relationship trauma, partners' reactive patterns of engagement can disrupt and derail attempts at relationship correction and healing. A circumplex typology of couple patterns of engagement in relational trauma context is defined in terms of partners' underlying views of self in relation to other (VSIRO). VSIRO is conceptualized along a continuum anchored at opposite poles by inflated (self‐aggrandizing) versus collapsed (self‐abnegating) VSIRO, with a balanced (egalitarian) VSIRO, characterized by accountability and forbearance, as the target position. The circumplex model delineates four problematic couple configurations—a dejected couple, a taker–enabler couple, an ultimate fighting couple, and a debtor–collector couple. Where problematic engagement occurs, therapists need to reshape couple engagement toward the balanced, egalitarian position prior to relational trauma work. Clinical vignettes depict these couples and springboard an analysis of unique needs and interventions associated with each couple configuration. Reshaping couple patterns of engagement using a circumplex model of couple configurations is an essential prerequisite to effective and ethical relational trauma work.
Original Publication Citation
Butler, M.H., Spencer, T.J. and Seedall, R.B. (2020), Reshaping Couple Configurations that Get in the Way of Relationship Repair and Healing. Family Process, 59: 1334-1352.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Butler, Mark H.; Spencer, Travis J.; and Seedall, Ryan B., "Reshaping Couple Configurations that Get in the Way of Relationship Repair and Healing" (2019). Faculty Publications. 4476.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/4476
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2019-07-23
Permanent URL
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7284
Publisher
Family Process
Language
English
College
Family, Home, and Social Sciences
Department
Family Life
Copyright Status
© 2019 Family Process Institute
Copyright Use Information
http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/